Not one Nigerian historian interviewed. Funny how they were speculating about what the marks on the face meant. They could have come to Nigeria and asked people. This is actually shameful.
Scholars, no matter what race or nationality, as a matter of course conduct on-site research before making conclusions. It would do well for most of us to understand before reacting with outrage.
@@nightvisiongoggles I agree, but their speculations are way off the mark. It's unprofessional and arrogant of them to jump to conclusions without speaking to any real Yoruba historians.
@@godwinaigbokhan6460 Before shooting a documentary interview, scholars are given the premise/overview of the documentary and questions to be asked, and relevant research is conducted or previous files are studied if necessary. What's to say that they didn't go to Western Africa during their research years and interview chiefs and local historians, and what they are saying is just what they were told, including test results of their own studies? Is it arrogance for, say, an American who is an expert in Japanese pottery, to talk about Japanese pottery just because he is not Japanese? If what they are saying is way off the mark, then it is neither ignorance nor arrogance, it is the result of their studies and if there is something you can contribute to a better understanding of these artifacts, then please say it instead of attacking the credibility of the people just because they are not black. Don't fight fire with fire.
@@nightvisiongoggles Thanks, but as an African living in Africa I know the damage cultural misrepresentation has done to the African story. So what if they came to West Africa and supposedly spoke to a few nameless people? Don't compare Africans to Japanese. The Japanese weren't called all sort of vile names and said to be savages with no societal organisation whatsoever. I don't care if an American speaks about Japanese art if the Japanese have no problem with it. I am an African and I have a problem with ignorant white people speaking about the artwork of my forefathers when their ancestors didn't recognize mine as humans. It is important that anthropological discussions about African art be carried out by African experts so that we can continue to correct the misconceptions about our people. It's our art, stolen by the British thugs. Only Africans have the right to speak about it because only Africans know the cultural and religious significance of these works. I don't care how many books they've read. I don't care who they spoke to. The only people to speak About African art, should be African experts! Period!
@@nightvisiongoggles Are you sure you can read English? What anger do you speak of? I am not angry. I have several white friends. I have dated white girls. I don't hate white people. Where did you read that from?? All I said is that only Africans should have the right to speak on African art so that we can have the opportunity to correct several misconceptions about our histories and cultures that have been peddled over centuries by Europeans who stole our art. How does that signify hatred and anger? If I ask for the Bronzes of Great Benin to be returned to Nigeria, does that make me angry? I don't think you know enough about the subject. I think you should stop now.
Hi again, I am white, female ....Why should it be so controversial to demand by Africans that the producer of the clip should have at least talked to ONE African brass/ iron caster in Yoruba Land or in Igun Street, Benin City ? I think that makes sense and is appropriate. Greetings Conny
Certainly a masterpiece. The Benin bronze are some of the most significant master craft ever created in the non modern era. Like the da Vinci out of Africa. But let’s not discount the other masterpieces around the world. The bronze heads from the water clock in Beijing summer palace looted by the British were certainly masterpieces as well. The British museum should make copies to display and repatriated their looted war trophies.
@@spuddy4845 they would not have to come to Britain if there stuff was returned. They could show it in there own African Museum. Or do you think Africans can’t build a museum?
No ! Not Europeans!, Europe is a big continent with many countries, few.. the big powerfull countries stole goods from you! British museum is in England!
Oh they’re as smart as we are, because people don’t get smarter as time passes-as a species at least. We stand on the shoulders of those before us in education. We understand more, but we aren’t simply smarter. Many ancient peoples were incredibly advanced.
You don't have temerity to tell me my story , You don't have any audacity to tell me how the head was made because it was my forefather's head I knew how it was made. The head is as old as the world.The head is timeless .... Return it back to us.
Ayotunde Ayoko that is your own gripe, does not concern me what your personal feelings towards him are, does not mean the Yoruba culture is lost on him, i am a Christian too and i still have knowledge about my culture. Go on and sit down somewhere with your beef 😅
@@ayotundeayoko5861 Yes, religion is not based on your race. But your beliefs. Neither is knowledge based on your beliefs. But what you study and come across.
Coral beads were worn only by members of royal families or nobility....It was a sign of wealth, power and royalty....back in the day, commoners weren't allowed to wear coral beads. Look at the Benin bronzes of royalty, they also had beads. A doc like this should have included at least one Nigerian historian/ curator. It would have eliminated all these speculations, conjectures which are mostly misleading. The original owners are still alive, go meet them and learn the secrets of their great ancestors
How about asking the Yoruba, and Yoruba professors what they mean instead of having Englishmen randomly speculating? Ask the people themselves or is that a radical idea?
We will get all of our artifacts back eventually!!! We have developed a new appreciation for our great Yoruba ancestors! I think they are temporarily holding on to what belongs to us, because it makes them insecure and secretly afraid. Our ancestors created these master pieces during the time they were still in dark ages. Yet they called us primitive and covered up our greatness, enslaved us, and oppressed us worldwide. They are intimidated by our greatness! They know that Yoruba is the great lost tribe of Judah, so they hold onto relics from the past that could potentially remind Yoruba people whom they are. Ade YORUBA is from King David
All technology still remain in AFRICA but for the people to see it and understand it they relay and learn their culture more than focus on the others..
European were living in caves Africa was already doing good Civilizations Nature laws. Gods. Astrology lol Haters will always be a hater. Just accept that you are not superior To nothing. Not even to a fly😂
I think the only mistake in this documentary is that they did not interview an actual Nigerian about the art. But besides that, still nice to watch. (don't demand or expect people to be perfect)
Their Spiritual importance of these Bronzes makes them extremely valuable to the British - I would be surprised if these stolen goods would be ever returned - I am even more surprised they are not claimed to be sculpted by a European artist.
I know this is 2 years later but a white archeologist tried to say that these bronzes were made by a lost ancient white civilization because Africans weren’t nearly smart or capable enough to do so. They really did try.
Initially, they were. The Europeans could not, would not, refused to wrapped their heads around the idea that such exquisite objects being created by African people.
african sculptures perfectly blended realism and abstraction. african art is way beyond any european in terms of creativity. the quality of the portrait sculptures are just matched my asian ones or south american ones
@@rayaytatatuntatnafurtat2029 atlanteans are not real probably and technically Atlantis was found in west africa a country called Mauritania, it's closer to Nigeria than it is to Egyptian which is in the other edge of africa
@@ReasonAboveEverything Plenty. They benefit by spreading the false narrative that Europe was Africa's saviour. And that Africa lived primitive lives before Europeans came. There's Hs story and "History". The West have been doing this for century's for body sake
Art-e-facts = Art are Craft Facts that cannot be disputed! Art-e-facts = Art & crafts in general. Art defines your innate origin & sovereignty thus, we must treasure Art in general, but mostly Art-e-Facts!
From the history book of the Italians i read, it explain that the black people were known as the holy people of the Most High whereas Roman no nothing but wars. What does this mean? It means that the art facts were taken from the black people with hope that, that was their power which i agree could be true. Taking the ancient people's handi work, from them way back ago deformed the knowledge of their present offsprings. The ancient people of that time we brain washed, they gave them white horse that was why the white man were able to do away with the statues; Now the generation that would asked, for all they did in the past, have now come to life their eyes are open. That is really the causes of the confusions we have everywhere today. People should stop missing letters in my writing, as if i did not attend any schools. I get messages from the Most High not from persons
Not hard at all. Just ignorance and arrogance that is an excuse for stealing others property. Even they understand stealing is wrong. They have no right to these items. It's theft plain and simple.
Ok everyone thats saying send this stolen art back to africa, you get an F for comprehension. Go back watch the doco again and listen to whats said. These are copies. 3 made it out of africa before a german man named leo frobenius lobbied the colonial government and a law was passed banning the trade of antiquities in Nigeria. The rest are owned by the king of ife and are held in the ife museum of antiquity. The three that are in western museums have thousands of people look and learn about them every day. And as stated have changed academic thought on west african art. Also being in a western museum gets experts to study it, so people can help further excavations in ife.
@@natasharules770 well Natasha 98% of African History are in the homes and museums of the western society. Africa has been asking for its History to be returned. Regarding the Ife Head Great Britain actually wanted to loan it back to Nigeria for an exhibition even tho they are the rightful owners. The point that i am trying to make is this, Briton, France and basically the Western hemisphere are with holding pieces of our history, they have studied them and gained knowledge and that is what we need to do and we cannot do it if they still are in possession of our stuff. And Natasha please try not to talk about black people like that, especially to a white person its not healthy. and it almost sounds like to me that you was wanting validation from Adam for your comments i could be wrong.
Some of those, particularly the one with the missing “stem” of the crown, is a “Olori-Yoruba queen or a female “Oba” (though Oba doesn’t necessarily directly translate to the English word “king”. Though it was something like that).
No acient kingdom created something more realistic than this. But it's suppressing that Europe did not distory it when they took it because of the way it look. I think they forget
The arrogance of western culture on display here. How you gonna talk about the misguided baseless speculation of British 'experts' in the past, & then 2 seconds later start baselessly speculating about this work of art again. Future understanding will prove these 'experts' to be just as misguided as the experts from a century ago. The most accurate understanding of this beautiful work of art will come from the people who live where it was found. People who understand their own culture & their history--not some arrogant outsiders who steal & rob & then sit in their armchairs making up stories about the artworks they've plundered. Return what you stole & let the real experts tell the story of these peerless works of art.
Thank you for telling the truth. The Audacity of these people is unbelievable. They have no shame, the crazy thing is they know it. You are not an expert on Africans’ art. Return those arts back where it can from.and have the decency to let Africans tell their own stories.
Where did it mention that it was from Benin, Infact it mentioned that Benin people learnt metallurgy from Yoruba people. You Benin people are so lost, you’re always trying to claim Yoruba achievements. But during Oyo empire period, Oyo and Benin were close and even had military pact of safe corridors etc, it’s a shame that modern Benin people have forgotten who their big brother is in Nigeria. Most Benin people think they’re closer to Igbos than Yoruba, what a lost bunch.
Whoop-dee-doo I see why y'all paid trillions of dollars to keep our history a secret because truly we are amazing the way Almighty God made us it is a blessing
6:00 There are actually 3 dynasty lines The 3rd are also smooth faced You would have known if you interviewed a Nigerian historian instead. This is just pathetic.
This exhibit was in the US back in the early 80’s I went to the DeYoung to see it… can’t believe the brits still have it… shame on the brits… this art belongs to the Nigerians… send it back!!
THE WHITE MAN TELLS US THAT ALL MAN ORIGINATED OUT OF AFRICA 🌍...YET THAT SOME WHITE MEN REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THESE GREAT WORKS OF ART COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MADE BY AFRICANS!!!I WISH THAT ALL THE TREASURES THAT WERE STOLEN FROM AFRICA COULD BE RETURNED TO THE RIGHTFULL OWNERS ..😢😮😢..
The brass in the statues came from bracelets made by the Portuguese used to trade with black slave traders for black slaves. Slavery continued in Benin long after slavery had been abolished in Britain (the first country in the world to outlaw slavery). Britain was trying to end slavery in Benin, as well as the awful practise of human sacrifice, when it’s trade delegation to Benin were slaughtered. That’s why Britain responded by invading. Britain is why there is no slave trade there now. No human sacrifice. And we left a large modern city in its place when we left 60 years ago.
The expedition was armed and assigned the purpose to remove the authority of the Oba(king). Not to mention horrendously large to begin with, 200 African casualties in a British diplomatic mission? Did they even receive permission to enter Benin, did they consult other surrounding kingdoms on Benin’s geopolitical status to outsiders? European empires, as all empires did, intruded. The ideological justification of which is encapsulated in your final sentence.
@@fromabove422 some people have a connection to their own culture. These days, some people don’t, Sky. Those who don’t, disregard any connection with their own ethnic group - which thoroughly shapes their minds and bodies - as deluded patriotic nonsense. Yet if I was a Navajo talking about “we”, as a culture, you’d be ever so respectful. Aside from this comment “we”, you’ve found nothing to say about the genuine points I’ve made. Nobody has. Instead, everyone wants to stick to their silly Critical Theory.
I hope since this film was made I hope that the British Museum experts have asked African scholars, of whom there are many about the many meanings behind the scarification, decoration, etc. Since they have trouble understanding these stolen treasures they still possess. Why don't they give their sources as to who told them about the meaning? Because it just seems like their conjecture is mostly fabricated. Maintaining beautiful pieces of art from around the world does not make the thief of these objects less painful to the countries of origin.
You got your narrative wrong. Oduduwa is not a diety, he was our leader. We immigrated from our home land, as our oral folktale tells. The tribal marks were to recognize the people. Edo traditional is also Yoruba traditional. The holes in the face are indeed for decoration, like the ear ring, this traditional comes from ancient kemite
YOU all are just guessing on how those art work was made .the fact remains that you western world are finding it difficult to accept Africa as the first civilisation Egypt and the rest of Africa. You guys are surprise of ife and Benin forgotten that Nigeria remains the giant of Africa
I can see AA here please stop this nonsense. You are NOT the ones to tell Africans on the continent who they are when some of you are so conflicted on your own origin. Some of you are so hateful of us on the continent so much you deny you were taken from here and claim you are natives of America. Don't come and tell us who we are because we know. Keep your nonsense to yourselves.
@@LuckyLucky-xp2sz I know who I am, and I know where I came from; no one said anything negative about African's, or Africa you are negative towards African Americans so stop the BS.
I'm so sad to see them being displayed as art peices. They are not art for enjoyment those are spiritual artifacts that belong to actual families. Those are people's ancestors and the Ori or head as we say it in Yoruba is sacred. To see strangers just looking at them as if they mean nothing is insulting and hurtful because these are royal ancestors. They belong in their home amongst our people in our care, with the proper respect they deserve.
People who are not the ancestors, who are unknown now, can enjoy them both spiritually and artistically. Art is only viewed in the context where possible. These two videos exemplify how religious significance is respected and felt. The heads only exist because they are treasured.
@@beowulf1312 they aren't just art. And just because you justify it by saying they exist because you are caring for them means nothing. You act like we don't have the ability to care for our own things ourselves. That's highly disrespectful and insulting. How would you feel if some went into your house and stole your sentimental family photos that no one else has and displayed them for all to .....oh wait you guys don't hold your family sacred and dear like we do, nor do you venerate your ancestors. I don't know why i even engage with you. It's fruitless, Europeans will never get it, always stealing then justifying with some stupid excuse. I wish you would all go infertile or procreate with no Europeans and go extinct and your culture as well. Only then can the world be at peace. Thieves and terrorists is what you guys are.
@@spuddy4845 and you guys were never capable that's why you had to travel and steal everything to become powerful. And your royals are all inbred! It's funny that you can declare we were never royal but actually there are many royal bloodlines in Africa currently, you guys just don't pay attention, and we like that. At least we're not trashy incapable thieving liars who are so violent that when they can't attack us, they attack each other! Look at Russia and Ukraine. I hope Russia noms the fuck out of Europe and erases everyone!🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@beowulf1312 And they are t intended for non ancestors to view them idiot that's the damned point. They're supposed to be in the royal ancestor shrine and cared for by the descendants of the royal bloodlines. Not even unrelated Nigerians are allowed to just view them without permission.
I watched Drunken Master again yesterday The first time I watched it I don't know what the movie is about because am still small until yesterday Although Its Just a movie but the reality was told In that story And that's what Happened in Most countries that Lost Something Like this You Should Check that old Movie Out Drunken Master by Jackie Chan
Why these people always studying black people, if it wasn't something important about black people would they study them. No , but I love when they're studying black people it shows the world that black people are very important people.. Lol Lol Lol Lol Lol..
It's good that these Artifact is in British museum, so that all our past and present leaders would travelled all the way from Nigeria to UK to come and see it in the museum and recognise it's value.👍❤
white people: "i want to become an archaeologist.. traveling the world.. discovering new ruins and studying ancient artifacts around the world." me: you mean.. the british museum?
You bring all these "experts" to talk about an artifact from Ife, you don't ask one Ife man about it? If I can guess correctly, that crown the bronze ruler is wearing still exists. There are people living today who can tell you all about the man in the casting. Ask the owners of the artifact what it means, you would learn more.
I don't, for one minute, believe that these are copies or casts of the original artefacts. Why not let an African historian do an evaluation of these artefacts to see whether or not they are just copies or not.
Imaging telling a story in another man's heart, non of your statements would relate to what is that man's heart just as you people just did on this video.
Old timey British people be like "A real person made this, but it can't have been Africans, they're BLACK". Glad this sort of thinking is long gone and the scientific interest is in historical accuracy not racist preconceptions.
All the interviewee said nonsense most especially about the marks on their faces. This is not our history man, you people assumed and broadcasted wrong information.
“ It was not long after it was unearthed, that the head of Ife made its long journey to the British Museum “. Translation: Stolen and then purchased on black market by colonizers.
Islamic influence? Portuguese? Native? or some combo? Based on evidence to date, I would think the latter. The end of Ife meant the end of this exceptional level of artistry for many generations. Suggests some aspect of the manfacture of heads was imported technology.
If its dug up inside the palace, its not from ife, but somewhere else. Hmmm, you are one of the historical revisionist. But go home and ask grandfathers where they used to bury the kings if Benin. If they can tell you the truth, it in Ile Ife. Ile Ife is of spiritual and ancestry importance.
ALL African culture artifacts Should be returned from the African countries that they were take from. To the South African people and leadership, Lake Victoria Should be returned to its original name Ukerewe. As for ALL European and or Whitemen named places across the African continent Should be returned to its original African names
Prowess D Benin bronze in Ife yoruba land. Plus this sculptures are older than anything sculptures found in benin. Benin has its own sculptures which are amazing but totally different in style from the ife ones, so be happy with your sculptures and leave the ife ones alone pls
Both of you Are right... the same family with different languages it's obvious... to argue. the truth is Benin bronse and yoruba bronze look similar... but white men are not crazy... they knew the one they stole from Benin, they also knew the one from ile Ife...
@@suky7792 from my own perspective,the binis once lived in the place now called ife.it is logical to believe that they migrated from there and later settled in present day south Nigeria.the guild that made those artefacts are still in benin.
British stole it. They should return it. They can not say, We paid this small money. therefore, it is mine." British bought it form the obvious thief. They need to return to the original owner.
Return them back to the people you stole them from. It doesn't matter what my people decide to do with them, even if we decide to melt them down and make swords, it's not for you to say. The person who sold it to an English person stole them from the royal palace. Shame on England. Return them.
Not one Nigerian historian interviewed. Funny how they were speculating about what the marks on the face meant. They could have come to Nigeria and asked people. This is actually shameful.
Scholars, no matter what race or nationality, as a matter of course conduct on-site research before making conclusions.
It would do well for most of us to understand before reacting with outrage.
@@nightvisiongoggles I agree, but their speculations are way off the mark. It's unprofessional and arrogant of them to jump to conclusions without speaking to any real Yoruba historians.
@@godwinaigbokhan6460 Before shooting a documentary interview, scholars are given the premise/overview of the documentary and questions to be asked, and relevant research is conducted or previous files are studied if necessary.
What's to say that they didn't go to Western Africa during their research years and interview chiefs and local historians, and what they are saying is just what they were told, including test results of their own studies? Is it arrogance for, say, an American who is an expert in Japanese pottery, to talk about Japanese pottery just because he is not Japanese?
If what they are saying is way off the mark, then it is neither ignorance nor arrogance, it is the result of their studies and if there is something you can contribute to a better understanding of these artifacts, then please say it instead of attacking the credibility of the people just because they are not black. Don't fight fire with fire.
@@nightvisiongoggles Thanks, but as an African living in Africa I know the damage cultural misrepresentation has done to the African story. So what if they came to West Africa and supposedly spoke to a few nameless people? Don't compare Africans to Japanese. The Japanese weren't called all sort of vile names and said to be savages with no societal organisation whatsoever. I don't care if an American speaks about Japanese art if the Japanese have no problem with it. I am an African and I have a problem with ignorant white people speaking about the artwork of my forefathers when their ancestors didn't recognize mine as humans. It is important that anthropological discussions about African art be carried out by African experts so that we can continue to correct the misconceptions about our people. It's our art, stolen by the British thugs. Only Africans have the right to speak about it because only Africans know the cultural and religious significance of these works. I don't care how many books they've read. I don't care who they spoke to. The only people to speak About African art, should be African experts! Period!
@@nightvisiongoggles Are you sure you can read English? What anger do you speak of? I am not angry. I have several white friends. I have dated white girls. I don't hate white people. Where did you read that from?? All I said is that only Africans should have the right to speak on African art so that we can have the opportunity to correct several misconceptions about our histories and cultures that have been peddled over centuries by Europeans who stole our art. How does that signify hatred and anger? If I ask for the Bronzes of Great Benin to be returned to Nigeria, does that make me angry? I don't think you know enough about the subject. I think you should stop now.
They should return these priceless art to it’s rightful owner. Those are stolen arts.
Let them keep it. What proof would we have that we were robbed moving forward a 1000yrs in the future when the world is fully one nation?
@@dalemsilas8425 There's not point because by that time white people would have gone extinct
They should return it all back to if
If they have respect for culture they should return them
Who should they return them to? The government, the museum or the university?
Look at how attractive the faces on the art are. The African appearance and art are great. This art should be returned to it's rightful home.
Hi again, I am white, female ....Why should it be so controversial to demand by Africans that the producer of the clip should have at least talked to ONE African brass/ iron caster in Yoruba Land or in Igun Street, Benin City ? I think that makes sense and is appropriate. Greetings Conny
why can't they make their own video, too stoopid?
This head exudes life. Its so pulsing with artistic realism. Perhaps the greatest "statue" to date.
Certainly a masterpiece. The Benin bronze are some of the most significant master craft ever created in the non modern era. Like the da Vinci out of Africa. But let’s not discount the other masterpieces around the world. The bronze heads from the water clock in Beijing summer palace looted by the British were certainly masterpieces as well. The British museum should make copies to display and repatriated their looted war trophies.
All plunder and stolen stuff should be returned to the country of origin.
End of.
Europe would collapse if they returned the gold and silver of South America and Asia.
Exactly!
finders keepers....they would just sell it for crack anyway
let africans go in the british museum and have nothing from their culture to look at
@@spuddy4845 they would not have to come to Britain if there stuff was returned. They could show it in there own African Museum. Or do you think Africans can’t build a museum?
These African artifacts should represent a source of embarrassment to Western Europe not pride.
You haven't got a clue. Ready some history book's that are not woke.
Shame on the Europeans, this is the head OF ODUDUWA founding father of the YORUBAS and the first king of IFE, and we'd like it returned to us
send it all back, don't want nothing of theirs in our museums
No ! Not Europeans!, Europe is a big continent with many countries, few.. the big powerfull countries stole goods from you! British museum is in England!
It seems that many cultures have great periods of art/skill/sophistication. Perhaps ancient people were not as stupid as we often portray them.
Oh they’re as smart as we are, because people don’t get smarter as time passes-as a species at least.
We stand on the shoulders of those before us in education. We understand more, but we aren’t simply smarter. Many ancient peoples were incredibly advanced.
You don't have temerity to tell me my story , You don't have any audacity to tell me how the head was made because it was my forefather's head I knew how it was made. The head is as old as the world.The head is timeless .... Return it back to us.
They were taught the lost wax method by Europeans. I would personally send them back because they were used for witchcraft and human sacrifice.
Everything needs to be returned!!
yes let them have zero stuff to look at in our country
Yall need to return it to afrika it belongs to them the AFRIKAN people
Africa
Right
Yoruba people
For what it's worth, I'd say give these back. As "priceless" objects, they belong where they were made.
so do i we don't want their garbage in our museums, give them nothing to look at
Yep, priceless! Now all you have to do is give it all back to the rightful owners.
Speculation? Just ask us we know what the tribal marks are for 🤦🏽♀️😅
Yo the current Ooni is on social media, ask him what you need to know lol
the current ooni that is a Christian and claims jesus is his master? plus has no clue or appreciation of Yoruba history? lol you people are funny
Can you imagine that? Its ao stupid for them to be doing this speculation. Its as all Yuroba people extinct on earth.
Ayotunde Ayoko that is your own gripe, does not concern me what your personal feelings towards him are, does not mean the Yoruba culture is lost on him, i am a Christian too and i still have knowledge about my culture. Go on and sit down somewhere with your beef 😅
@@ayotundeayoko5861 Yes, religion is not based on your race. But your beliefs. Neither is knowledge based on your beliefs. But what you study and come across.
@@dlilwon 👏👏👏👏.
Masterpiece.....of the Nigerian people by indigenous iron casters ! Greetings Conny
Yoruba people and they are also in Benin and Togo, not just Naija :)
Lol....send these black magic objects back
Coral beads were worn only by members of royal families or nobility....It was a sign of wealth, power and royalty....back in the day, commoners weren't allowed to wear coral beads. Look at the Benin bronzes of royalty, they also had beads.
A doc like this should have included at least one Nigerian historian/ curator. It would have eliminated all these speculations, conjectures which are mostly misleading.
The original owners are still alive, go meet them and learn the secrets of their great ancestors
Exactly but they won't do so because of their superiority complex. Egoistic set of people.
Not only did they mold heads,they also molded entire bodies.
Thank you. I see a death face inside the head. Or it's just an optical illusion.
Yes. Many sub saharans were pharoahs in Egypt and had those Egyptian statues built after them. Great Wall of Benin before china. So many things
How about asking the Yoruba, and Yoruba professors what they mean instead of having Englishmen randomly speculating? Ask the people themselves or is that a radical idea?
We the Yoruba know ourselves better than anybody. Our professors too. The problem is they are never given the microphone.
We will get all of our artifacts back eventually!!! We have developed a new appreciation for our great Yoruba ancestors! I think they are temporarily holding on to what belongs to us, because it makes them insecure and secretly afraid. Our ancestors created these master pieces during the time they were still in dark ages. Yet they called us primitive and covered up our greatness, enslaved us, and oppressed us worldwide. They are intimidated by our greatness! They know that Yoruba is the great lost tribe of Judah, so they hold onto relics from the past that could potentially remind Yoruba people whom they are. Ade YORUBA is from King David
The craftsman ship of the Crafters is right on point they clearly look like potraits.
The Dinka's of south Sudan have all those features on that head of Ife, this perhaps reveals how one we are as blacks.
Dinke and yoroba have nothing to do with one another. Dinka are nilotic in East Africa. And yoroba are Niger-congo in west Africa
You're right
We are one people
All technology still remain in AFRICA but for the people to see it and understand it they relay and learn their culture more than focus on the others..
European were living in caves
Africa was already doing good
Civilizations
Nature laws.
Gods.
Astrology lol
Haters will always be a hater.
Just accept that you are not superior
To nothing.
Not even to a fly😂
I think the only mistake in this documentary is that they did not interview an actual Nigerian about the art. But besides that, still nice to watch. (don't demand or expect people to be perfect)
Their Spiritual importance of these Bronzes makes them extremely valuable to the British - I would be surprised if these stolen goods would be ever returned - I am even more surprised they are not claimed to be sculpted by a European artist.
I know this is 2 years later but a white archeologist tried to say that these bronzes were made by a lost ancient white civilization because Africans weren’t nearly smart or capable enough to do so. They really did try.
@@cici35official19 Oh my goodness! They don't stop trying to erase us!
Initially, they were. The Europeans could not, would not, refused to wrapped their heads around the idea that such exquisite objects being created by African people.
@@cici35official19 Exactly. It's the same manner in which they wanted desperately to "own" the brilliance of the ancient Egyptians.
@@LFortune they still try with Egypt and also the Dogon’s knowledge of Sirius B
african sculptures perfectly blended realism and abstraction. african art is way beyond any european in terms of creativity. the quality of the portrait sculptures are just matched my asian ones or south american ones
Ile ife has been in existence before egyptian race
which egyptian Race?
@@gaspgasp9491 thesame BLACK race not Neanderthals race
How is that possible, when the ancient Egyptians are from the offspring of the Atlantians , which predates all information on this planet.
Angela Burrowes down to hell with your lies
@@rayaytatatuntatnafurtat2029 atlanteans are not real probably and technically Atlantis was found in west africa a country called Mauritania, it's closer to Nigeria than it is to Egyptian which is in the other edge of africa
Uploaded 5 years ago. Suddenly everyone gets this recommended.
Man of the north that’s what the DEVILS do hide the TRUTHS
Lawrence Coley What do white people benefit from hiding western African history?
@@ReasonAboveEverything Plenty. They benefit by spreading the false narrative that Europe was Africa's saviour. And that Africa lived primitive lives before Europeans came. There's Hs story and "History". The West have been doing this for century's for body sake
Art-e-facts = Art are Craft Facts
that cannot be disputed!
Art-e-facts = Art & crafts in general.
Art defines your innate origin & sovereignty thus, we must treasure Art in general, but mostly Art-e-Facts!
From the history book of the Italians i read, it explain that the black people were known as the holy people of the Most High whereas Roman no nothing but wars.
What does this mean?
It means that the art facts were taken from the black people with hope that, that was their power which i agree could be true.
Taking the ancient people's handi work, from them way back ago deformed the knowledge of their present offsprings. The ancient people of that time we brain washed, they gave them white horse that was why the white man were able to do away with the statues;
Now the generation that would asked, for all they did in the past, have now come to life their eyes are open. That is really the causes of the confusions we have everywhere today.
People should stop missing letters in my writing, as if i did not attend any schools. I get messages from the Most High not from persons
Well said
Word!!
@@tricha123ful1 you look cute
pure facts
it s hard for Europeans to understand African culture and civilisation,they are stucked in their mindset
Hi Zokobadi, then you should make the effort to explain it to white people. Greetings Conny
Not hard at all. Just ignorance and arrogance that is an excuse for stealing others property.
Even they understand stealing is wrong.
They have no right to these items. It's theft plain and simple.
conny sa i agree with you,i wont be able to tell you everything but i would explain or answer questions you may have
Stop trying to look intelligent with your assumptions,and guessing you don't know at that it. Give them back
Ile ife is is the sauce of mankind...
fax
Ok everyone thats saying send this stolen art back to africa, you get an F for comprehension. Go back watch the doco again and listen to whats said.
These are copies.
3 made it out of africa before a german man named leo frobenius lobbied the colonial government and a law was passed banning the trade of antiquities in Nigeria.
The rest are owned by the king of ife and are held in the ife museum of antiquity.
The three that are in western museums have thousands of people look and learn about them every day. And as stated have changed academic thought on west african art. Also being in a western museum gets experts to study it, so people can help further excavations in ife.
Thank God for British museum, I would know nothing about this art.
Thank you for enlightening those who can still think with their heads and not with misdirected anger.
Natasha rules. Im from Australia. Im as white as a ghost.
If that's the way God chose to prove whom his chosen people are, then it's accomplished.
@@natasharules770 well Natasha 98% of African History are in the homes and museums of the western society. Africa has been asking for its History to be returned. Regarding the Ife Head Great Britain actually wanted to loan it back to Nigeria for an exhibition even tho they are the rightful owners. The point that i am trying to make is this, Briton, France and basically the Western hemisphere are with holding pieces of our history, they have studied them and gained knowledge and that is what we need to do and we cannot do it if they still are in possession of our stuff. And Natasha please try not to talk about black people like that, especially to a white person its not healthy. and it almost sounds like to me that you was wanting validation from Adam for your comments i could be wrong.
Some of those, particularly the one with the missing “stem” of the crown, is a “Olori-Yoruba queen or a female “Oba” (though Oba doesn’t necessarily directly translate to the English word “king”. Though it was something like that).
No acient kingdom created something more realistic than this. But it's suppressing that Europe did not distory it when they took it because of the way it look. I think they forget
The arrogance of western culture on display here. How you gonna talk about the misguided baseless speculation of British 'experts' in the past, & then 2 seconds later start baselessly speculating about this work of art again. Future understanding will prove these 'experts' to be just as misguided as the experts from a century ago.
The most accurate understanding of this beautiful work of art will come from the people who live where it was found. People who understand their own culture & their history--not some arrogant outsiders who steal & rob & then sit in their armchairs making up stories about the artworks they've plundered. Return what you stole & let the real experts tell the story of these peerless works of art.
You wrote out my thoughts lol. I was like, "just ask!" But noooo... anything but actually talking smh
Thank you for telling the truth. The Audacity of these people is unbelievable. They have no shame, the crazy thing is they know it. You are not an expert on Africans’ art. Return those arts back where it can from.and have the decency to let Africans tell their own stories.
It’s funny how they can never replicate it. All they can do is drool.
That's really bigoted and inappropriate. If you look at Africa today you'll find thriving modern cities like Lagos.
@pierce
I think he was talking about the British artists
SMH trying to explain your loot in a nice way 🤣🤣🤣🤦🏿♂️🤦🏿♂️🤦🏿♂️😤😤
Amazing artifacts of Benin.
*Yoruba
Where did it mention that it was from Benin, Infact it mentioned that Benin people learnt metallurgy from Yoruba people. You Benin people are so lost, you’re always trying to claim Yoruba achievements. But during Oyo empire period, Oyo and Benin were close and even had military pact of safe corridors etc, it’s a shame that modern Benin people have forgotten who their big brother is in Nigeria. Most Benin people think they’re closer to Igbos than Yoruba, what a lost bunch.
@@TheOne-yq6qk
They don't like to acknowledge Yoruba's greatness!!! They always give Yoruba's credit to others!!!
@@omokaroojiire Abi o, but you can’t hide the sun’s brightness. So they should keep trying.
@@TheOne-yq6qk 👏👏👏👏.
Should have been taught this in school🤷🏾♀️
Whoop-dee-doo I see why y'all paid trillions of dollars to keep our history a secret because truly we are amazing the way Almighty God made us it is a blessing
Great infromation
6:00
There are actually 3 dynasty lines
The 3rd are also smooth faced
You would have known if you interviewed a Nigerian historian instead.
This is just pathetic.
This exhibit was in the US back in the early 80’s I went to the DeYoung to see it… can’t believe the brits still have it… shame on the brits… this art belongs to the Nigerians… send it back!!
THE WHITE MAN TELLS US THAT ALL MAN ORIGINATED OUT OF AFRICA 🌍...YET THAT SOME WHITE MEN REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THESE GREAT WORKS OF ART COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MADE BY AFRICANS!!!I WISH THAT ALL THE TREASURES THAT WERE STOLEN FROM AFRICA COULD BE RETURNED TO THE RIGHTFULL OWNERS ..😢😮😢..
Interesting distinctions
I wish Europeans would stop telling people what they think black people thoughts were cause y'all always wrong.
He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: GOD shall cast them out of his belly. (Job 20:15)
The brass in the statues came from bracelets made by the Portuguese used to trade with black slave traders for black slaves. Slavery continued in Benin long after slavery had been abolished in Britain (the first country in the world to outlaw slavery). Britain was trying to end slavery in Benin, as well as the awful practise of human sacrifice, when it’s trade delegation to Benin were slaughtered. That’s why Britain responded by invading. Britain is why there is no slave trade there now. No human sacrifice. And we left a large modern city in its place when we left 60 years ago.
The expedition was armed and assigned the purpose to remove the authority of the Oba(king). Not to mention horrendously large to begin with, 200 African casualties in a British diplomatic mission?
Did they even receive permission to enter Benin, did they consult other surrounding kingdoms on Benin’s geopolitical status to outsiders?
European empires, as all empires did, intruded.
The ideological justification of which is encapsulated in your final sentence.
"we" 😂
@@fromabove422 some people have a connection to their own culture. These days, some people don’t, Sky. Those who don’t, disregard any connection with their own ethnic group - which thoroughly shapes their minds and bodies - as deluded patriotic nonsense. Yet if I was a Navajo talking about “we”, as a culture, you’d be ever so respectful. Aside from this comment “we”, you’ve found nothing to say about the genuine points I’ve made. Nobody has. Instead, everyone wants to stick to their silly Critical Theory.
Are you on crazy-people pills or something? What on earth makes you think anything you've typed is up for debate? 😂
Absolutely mental.
Wow which part of Harry Potter movie you’ve watch. What a load of BS. 😂
The level of delusion among the doubters was incredible.
Should I be impressed with the wazungu or something
We will get them back one day
Return them back
interesting finds have thay keep it any of this culture
I hope since this film was made I hope that the British Museum experts have asked African scholars, of whom there are many about the many meanings behind the scarification, decoration, etc. Since they have trouble understanding these stolen treasures they still possess. Why don't they give their sources as to who told them about the meaning? Because it just seems like their conjecture is mostly fabricated. Maintaining beautiful pieces of art from around the world does not make the thief of these objects less painful to the countries of origin.
You got your narrative wrong. Oduduwa is not a diety, he was our leader. We immigrated from our home land, as our oral folktale tells. The tribal marks were to recognize the people. Edo traditional is also Yoruba traditional. The holes in the face are indeed for decoration, like the ear ring, this traditional comes from ancient kemite
YOU all are just guessing on how those art work was made .the fact remains that you western world are finding it difficult to accept Africa as the first civilisation Egypt and the rest of Africa. You guys are surprise of ife and Benin forgotten that Nigeria remains the giant of Africa
The knowledge probably came out of Egypt doing the wars, people fled to many areas in Africa, Nigeria was one of many.
I can see AA here please stop this nonsense. You are NOT the ones to tell Africans on the continent who they are when some of you are so conflicted on your own origin. Some of you are so hateful of us on the continent so much you deny you were taken from here and claim you are natives of America. Don't come and tell us who we are because we know. Keep your nonsense to yourselves.
@@LuckyLucky-xp2sz I know who I am, and I know where I came from; no one said anything negative about African's, or Africa you are negative towards African Americans so stop the BS.
You are brainwashed.
@@sohniya7681 that's your opinion an your entitled to it, but nothing can be further than the truth.
No 💀
Please where was it take from and where and when please
Why is there a face on the inside of the bronze head ???
I'm so sad to see them being displayed as art peices. They are not art for enjoyment those are spiritual artifacts that belong to actual families. Those are people's ancestors and the Ori or head as we say it in Yoruba is sacred. To see strangers just looking at them as if they mean nothing is insulting and hurtful because these are royal ancestors. They belong in their home amongst our people in our care, with the proper respect they deserve.
you was never royalty
People who are not the ancestors, who are unknown now, can enjoy them both spiritually and artistically. Art is only viewed in the context where possible. These two videos exemplify how religious significance is respected and felt. The heads only exist because they are treasured.
@@beowulf1312 they aren't just art. And just because you justify it by saying they exist because you are caring for them means nothing. You act like we don't have the ability to care for our own things ourselves. That's highly disrespectful and insulting. How would you feel if some went into your house and stole your sentimental family photos that no one else has and displayed them for all to .....oh wait you guys don't hold your family sacred and dear like we do, nor do you venerate your ancestors. I don't know why i even engage with you. It's fruitless, Europeans will never get it, always stealing then justifying with some stupid excuse. I wish you would all go infertile or procreate with no Europeans and go extinct and your culture as well. Only then can the world be at peace. Thieves and terrorists is what you guys are.
@@spuddy4845 and you guys were never capable that's why you had to travel and steal everything to become powerful. And your royals are all inbred! It's funny that you can declare we were never royal but actually there are many royal bloodlines in Africa currently, you guys just don't pay attention, and we like that. At least we're not trashy incapable thieving liars who are so violent that when they can't attack us, they attack each other! Look at Russia and Ukraine. I hope Russia noms the fuck out of Europe and erases everyone!🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@beowulf1312 And they are t intended for non ancestors to view them idiot that's the damned point. They're supposed to be in the royal ancestor shrine and cared for by the descendants of the royal bloodlines. Not even unrelated Nigerians are allowed to just view them without permission.
Please return those treasures
I watched Drunken Master again yesterday
The first time I watched it I don't know what the movie is about because am still small until yesterday
Although Its Just a movie but the reality was told In that story
And that's what Happened in Most countries that Lost Something Like this
You Should Check that old Movie Out
Drunken Master by Jackie Chan
Why these people always studying black people, if it wasn't something important about black people would they study them. No , but I love when they're studying black people it shows the world that black people are very important people.. Lol Lol Lol Lol Lol..
Sleepy Schloss. Black people we are so important..and white people know..that's why they hate us so much..
Is Richard Dawkins the narrator? Or is it just me?
GIVE IT BACK
It's good that these Artifact is in British museum, so that all our past and present leaders would travelled all the way from Nigeria to UK to come and see it in the museum and recognise it's value.👍❤
finest that’s what it is
white people: "i want to become an archaeologist.. traveling the world.. discovering new ruins and studying ancient artifacts around the world."
me: you mean.. the british museum?
I find it fascinating that all the races believe in Gods descending from the sky and creating mankind, were these Gods or aliens?
That's what I feel too and the races where just different experiment on skin tones and body features
I've seen black people who resemble him.
Most notably Avery Johnson of the championship Spurs.
All this hidden history
They can't figure its out, we are your master, now you will obey our command sooner or later
You bring all these "experts" to talk about an artifact from Ife, you don't ask one Ife man about it? If I can guess correctly, that crown the bronze ruler is wearing still exists. There are people living today who can tell you all about the man in the casting. Ask the owners of the artifact what it means, you would learn more.
ئەو سەرە زۆر مانا لەخۆ دەگرێت وەکو سەری نیڤەر تی تی وایە
franck defalco,does it matter if I explain? I don't think so because you will never get it ,you re stucked in your thinking
I don't, for one minute, believe that these are copies or casts of the original artefacts. Why not let an African historian do an evaluation of these artefacts to see whether or not they are just copies or not.
Imaging telling a story in another man's heart, non of your statements would relate to what is that man's heart just as you people just did on this video.
Lol. They could have just asked one Yoruba professor
Old timey British people be like "A real person made this, but it can't have been Africans, they're BLACK". Glad this sort of thinking is long gone and the scientific interest is in historical accuracy not racist preconceptions.
All the interviewee said nonsense most especially about the marks on their faces. This is not our history man, you people assumed and broadcasted wrong information.
Just go on and say you don't what the marks are for.
Stolen Property
“ It was not long after it was unearthed, that the head of Ife made its long journey to the British Museum “. Translation: Stolen and then purchased on black market by colonizers.
these were all people from the ancient world Egypt Sumeria etc before the invasions and fall.. same with the dogon.. they fell backwards..
Supreme ARE you out of your damn rabbit ass mind making such stupid and racist statement?
Ile ife has been in existence before the Egyptian race
@@abiodunonabolujo5038 no it hasn't
A I lmao, what do you know
It is so sad they have to respect for African people and their land.
Islamic influence? Portuguese? Native? or some combo? Based on evidence to date, I would think the latter. The end of Ife meant the end of this exceptional level of artistry for many generations. Suggests some aspect of the manfacture of heads was imported technology.
Godwin aigbokan this is European habit they entitled themself to explain the African history without african
Stolen from BENIN.
And now somehow attempting to steal their HOW.
These wonderous arts should be returned.
Thank God for the British Museum... I would know nothing of these wonderful pieces of art and culture.
11:30 "the oni of ife" smh they not the same person buddy
U r insane
If its dug up inside the palace, its not from ife, but somewhere else. Hmmm, you are one of the historical revisionist. But go home and ask grandfathers where they used to bury the kings if Benin. If they can tell you the truth, it in Ile Ife. Ile Ife is of spiritual and ancestry importance.
Thieves speculating on their plunder, return these pieces to their rightful owners.
No shame displaying Stolen stuff? Make you r own Art of murder and rooting around the world.
RETURN OUR SHIT @Britishmuseum
ALL African culture artifacts Should be returned from the African countries that they were take from.
To the South African people and leadership, Lake Victoria Should be returned to its original name Ukerewe. As for ALL European and or Whitemen named places across the African continent Should be returned to its original African names
This the Benin bronze they don't knw what they re saying. It's only in Benin Kingdom such bronze re been made in the world
Prowess D Benin bronze in Ife yoruba land. Plus this sculptures are older than anything sculptures found in benin. Benin has its own sculptures which are amazing but totally different in style from the ife ones, so be happy with your sculptures and leave the ife ones alone pls
Suky Oseni my brother I nor hold am which one be leave ife bronze alone
Both of you Are right... the same family with different languages it's obvious... to argue. the truth is Benin bronse and yoruba bronze look similar... but white men are not crazy... they knew the one they stole from Benin, they also knew the one from ile Ife...
@@od_u_wajohnson8792 Yoruba colonised "ile ibinu b4
@@suky7792 from my own perspective,the binis once lived in the place now called ife.it is logical to believe that they migrated from there and later settled in present day south Nigeria.the guild that made those artefacts are still in benin.
British stole it. They should return it. They can not say, We paid this small money. therefore, it is mine." British bought it form the obvious thief. They need to return to the original owner.
U are telling a right out lie
If they aren't willing to tell us the provenance, odds are very good that these are stolen objects. 😢👩⚖️⚖️🚓
Return them back to the people you stole them from. It doesn't matter what my people decide to do with them, even if we decide to melt them down and make swords, it's not for you to say. The person who sold it to an English person stole them from the royal palace. Shame on England. Return them.
It's a far better decision to keep on a european museum than to give back to melt down and make swords