Interpretations of the Benin Bronzes

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different historical interpretations of the Benin Bronzes, encouraging students to compare perspectives and evaluate their validity.

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Interpretations of the Benin Bronzes

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
Name:
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Understanding Historical Interpretations of the Benin Bronzes

Historian A: Professor John Smith – Economic Perspective "Professor Smith argues that the Benin Bronzes were primarily a symbol of wealth and trade for the Kingdom of Benin. He emphasizes their role in establishing economic power and status, suggesting that the bronzes were used to attract trade and demonstrate the kingdom's prosperity. According to Smith, these artifacts reflect Benin's economic strength and mastery in metallurgy, which contributed significantly to its regional influence. His view interprets the Bronzes as products of a thriving economy, integral to Benin's international relations and wealth."

Historian B: Dr. Lisa Adams – Social and Cultural Perspective "Dr. Adams contends that the Benin Bronzes are primarily cultural artifacts reflecting the social hierarchy and religious beliefs of Benin society. She highlights their role in rituals, ceremonies, and as symbols of divine authority. Adams emphasizes that the bronzes depict ancestors, kings, and mythological themes, serving as a record of social order and spiritual life. Her interpretation sees the Bronzes as expressions of cultural identity and social cohesion, rather than merely symbols of wealth or trade."

B

Questions

1.
Summarize each historian's view on the significance of the Benin Bronzes.
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the reasons why Professor Smith and Dr. Adams interpret the Benin Bronzes differently.
[4 marks]
3.
Explain which interpretation you find more convincing and justify your answer.
[6 marks]
4.
Outline the types of evidence historians might use to support each view.
[3 marks]
5.
Analyse how the different perspectives help us understand the significance of the Benin Bronzes.
[6 marks]
6.
Describe how different historical interpretations can influence our understanding of the Benin Bronzes.
[3 marks]
7.
Compare how each historian supports their argument about the significance of the Bronzes.
[4 marks]
8.
Evaluate which perspective offers a more complete understanding of the Benin Bronzes and explain why.
[6 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet