
The Tribal Eye
S01E04: Kingdom of Bronze
In 1897 a group of African bronzes arrived in London that caused a sensation. Many European experts refused to believe that the bronzesmiths of the obscure ancient African kingdom of Benin in Nigeria could have developed the sophisticated technique of bronze-casting by themselves. David Attenborough traces the bronzes and the “lost wax” technique back to the craftsmen of Ife, the sacred town of the Yoruba people, predating by a century any European influence. We also see the beautiful and elegant portrait busts, plaques and standing figures which read as impressive chronicles of the elaborate court life under the autocratic Obas of Benin.
Overview
David Attenborough explains the enormous growth of interest in tribal art, and explores the emotions which lie behind the masks and decorations of primitive people.
Episodes


S01E02 Crooked Beak of Heaven

S01E03 Sweat of the Sun

S01E04 Kingdom of Bronze

S01E05 Woven Gardens

S01E06 Man Blong Custom

S01E07 Across the Frontiers
Cast
