The Benin Empire existed in what is now Nigeria between 1440 and 1897, and much of the Empire’s historical artifacts have been placed into a collection named for the first indigenous photographer to the royal court, Chief Solomon Osagie Alonge. Chief Alonge’s photographs and other items are now on display at Washington, D.C.’s Smithsonian Museum of African Art.
SEE ALSO: Mali’s Songhoy Blues Rebel Against Islamic Terrorists With Music
Keep Up With Face2Face Africa On Facebook!
Alonge worked for much of the 20th Century for the Empire royals, beginning in 1933 and stayed in the post for more than 50 years. As noted by a BBC News report, Alonge’s photographs were seen as a natural progression in how the Empire cataloged its history. Prior to his photos, intricate bronze and woodwork carvings told much of the Empire’s story.
Alonge also took photos of ordinary Africans in his private studio, which is also on display. Among the many photos, Alonge took care to represent Nigerians as they wanted to be represented. There are also photos of the traditional wear of the times in the Empire and intimate photographs of individuals sharing a loving moment.
See some of Alonge’s photography collection here:
The exhibit will run at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art until September 2015 and will return to their rightful home in Nigeria that year.
Watch a news report of the Smithsonian exhibit here:
SEE ALSO: Pan-Africanist, Activist Remembers Pre-War Liberia in 1965
She is celebrated globally for her groundbreaking work across the music and movie industry. But,…
The family of an aspiring medical doctor is seeking justice after he was left brain-dead…
Once more, popular 97-year-old activist Opal Lee has received honor; this time, the President of…
A Florida woman described as a career shoplifter was handed a 30-year prison sentence after…
The city of Cleveland, Ohio, has reached a $4.8 million settlement with the family of…
Anthony Madu, the 14-year-old Nigerian dancer from Lagos who gained admission to a prestigious ballet…
Actor-host Wayne Brady recently opened up about his early financial struggles in his now thriving…
Mia Arianna, also known as @mia.ariannaa on TikTok, helped her son become an honorary team…
Alvin Gauthier, a Grand Prairie USPS postman, recently went above and beyond to brighten a…
Maj. Gen. Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed is the first female commander of the air force and…
Benjamin E. Mays High School brought together its 272 senior class members for a meeting…
Afrika Owes' emotional response to learning that she had passed the bar exam on her…
A 49-year-old New York attorney was on April 26 sentenced to 10 years in federal…
During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Wednesday, pop legend Cher opened up…
Authorities in Florida said an 11-year-old boy was accidentally shot and killed by his 14-year-old…
View Comments
This is very interesting.