Historically, anklets made of bronze were worn by the elite members of Benin society, including kings (known as the Oba) and their courtiers. The anklets were crafted to reflect the wearer’s high rank and were often decorated with intricate motifs that conveyed specific social or spiritual meanings. Bronze jewelry, in particular, was associated with royal authority, spiritual power, and ancestral reverence.
The Kingdom of Benin, which existed from the 11th century until the British invasion in 1897, is one of the most important civilizations in West Africa. The kingdom is famous for its bronze art, including bronze plaques, statues, masks, and jewelry like anklets. These items were often used in royal regalia or during ceremonial occasions.
