New MFA Boston gallery offers rare view of ancient Edo culture

The recent celebration of Benin Kingdom Arts and Culture community event at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, was a big draw. (Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)

With a diverse crowd of over 250 people, it was no ordinary evening at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. At the opening of the Benin Kingdom Gallery, many gathered to celebrate and witness the history, art and culture of the Edo people, who inhabit the ancient kingdom located in present-day Nigeria.

The gallery contains 34 rare art pieces possessing considerable significance and symbolism for the Edo culture. Those of Edo heritage at the opening event described it as recognition of a treasured part of their culture and a bittersweet, proud and overwhelming moment.

The free public event sponsored by the MFA and Coalition of Committed Benin Community Organizations, representing the current Oba, or King, of Benin along with several Boston Edo groups, was chock full from beginning to end and included a display of “background about the kingdom [that demonstrates] how Africans participated in a global economy as early as the 16th century according to an MFA press release.

The opening began with remarks from Malcom Rogers, the Ann and Graham Gund Director of the MFA, His Royal Highness Gregory I. Akenzua, brother of the current Oba of Benin Kingdom, and Dr. Arese Carrington, a descendant of Oba Ovonranwen, who ruled the Benin Kingdom in the 19th century.

Throughout the event there were several activities happening simultaneously around the museum for attendees of all ages. Some families with children sketched what they saw in the gallery and made wearable pendants to take home, while others got drawing tips and ideas from an artist while they sketched in the courtyard.

Crowds of people enjoyed traditional Edo dance performances complete with dancing, drumming and singing while others learned about the ancient technique of bronze casting and the history behind the Benin Kingdom’s unique works of art. Many even got to enjoy the taste of various Nigerian-inspired dishes. Certainly, there was something there for everyone to enjoy.

But for the Edo people who were involved in the showcase and those who came simply to visit, this was more than just an exhibition of art. For them is was and is a reflection of a thriving piece of their identity as a community and people — one that they appreciate having shared on a much larger scale.

For attendees like 40-year-old Jean Desrosiers of Roslindale the gallery provided a window into his family’s past — one that he hoped would give him insight and a sense of connection of who he is to where his family comes from.

“I came to see the exhibit because we traced our ancestry back to Nigeria, to the Oba family, so I came to see a part of my legacy, my culture, my roots,” Desrosiers said. “I’m feeling a lot of respect and awe. I’m humbled and grateful to whomever collected this art so we can see this and share it. I feel inspired and I’m definitely touched.”

Nigeria native and Roslindale resident Katie Igiede dressed in some of her best traditional garb for the opening and could hardly contain the excitement she felt.

“I’m proud of being a Nigerian so I felt it was necessary for me to be here and witness this history and support my country. I’m very proud, just proud,” Igiede said. “This is something that was very personal to us and now it’s being displayed for the whole world to see. In a way it is also history for the other side of the fence to learn about our culture. It’s overwhelming, interesting, exciting and emotional.”

The Coalition of Committed Benin Community Organizations expressed sincere gratitude to the museum for allowing the gallery, a now-permanent exhibition, to be a part of the museum. Still, many of them expressed anticipation in working with the MFA to reclaim more art pieces and, specifcally, some of the estimated 4,000 works that were forcibly removed by British military action as a result of the Punitive Expedition of 1897.

Nevertheless, it was a cause to celebrate.

“I am the great, great grand-daughter of Oba Ovonranwen from whose palace these beautiful bronzes and other works of arts were taken during the British Punitive Invasion in 1897. One hundred and sixteen years later I find myself an American citizen living in Boston reunited with some of these great bronzes of the Benin Palace through MFA’s opening of the Benin Kingdom gallery,” said Carrington. “Some of these objects have a cultural significance. Through these objects I feel a connection with my royal ancestors.”

The plurality of participants shared a sense of cultural fulfillment and curiosity that was met by the time the evening ended. More importantly, a desire to learn and appreciate something outside the norm was cultivated in several attendees, who commented on how pleasant it was and how eager they are to return with family and friends.

“The MFA worked with the Coalition of Committed Benin Organizations to ensure their participation. I delivered a letter from the Oba of Benin granting the Benin community permission to participate in the events. I saw grandparents, parents and children all enjoying themselves and celebrating the greatness of the Benin Kingdom. … The rich culture of Benin could be felt with the presence of the traditional costumes and dances. I feel [this] is the beginning of a continual relationship between MFA and the Benin community,” Carrington said.

“We look at Western art so much that when art like this comes — they used to call it primitive —it’s so different I have to take time to appreciate each piece and the workmanship that went into it because it is so intricate and unlike any other art. It’s good to see that African peoples made great things as well, even though it hasn’t been as appreciated as Western art, but we did something. We did some great things as well,” Jean Desrosiers added.

For more information regarding exhibitions, guided tours, programs and more at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston visit www.mfa.org.