The Tribal Eye (1975)

Episode Overview

In 1897, a collection of African bronzes arrived in London, creating quite a stir. Many European scholars were skeptical, doubting that the skilled artisans of the lesser-known Benin Kingdom in Nigeria could have independently mastered the intricate art of bronze-casting. David Attenborough explores the origins of these bronzes and the “lost wax” technique, tracing them back to the talented craftsmen of Ife, a revered town of the Yoruba people, which predates any European influence by a century. The episode showcases stunning portrait busts, plaques, and figures that vividly depict the rich court life under the powerful Obas of Benin.