A recent archaeological discovery in Benin City reveals how people lived in a former kingdom. The research team examined objects such as gin bottles and pots, which are believed to have been part of rituals. The once-destroyed palace also provides insights into urban life.
Recent Archaeological Discovery: New Insights into West African History
A research team has made a surprising find regarding the ancient Kingdom of Benin. Extensive excavations have revealed the “most complete architectural sequence” to date. These findings are part of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) project in Nigeria. Specifically, the recent archaeological discovery includes tools, trenches, smelting furnaces, and ceramic fragments. Consequently, researchers have gained deeper insights into West African urban administration and trade relations of that period.
The research focuses on Benin City, which is now one of Nigeria’s largest metropolises. In the former Kingdom of Benin, which existed from approximately 1200 to 1897. Throughout this time it served as the capital and was known, for its spectacular bronzes. In 1897, the palace and part of the city were destroyed by the British military, and thousands of bronze objects were plundered.
The archaeological finds were discovered during excavations between 2022 and 2024 and have now yielded important insights into this research site, as stated in the study:
This project is the first in Benin City in 50 years, focusing on unexcavated sectors of the historic palace complex, previously buried beneath the former Central Hospital and Health Management Board buildings.
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Cultural Significance of Ancient Benin
Inverted pots, cowrie shell deposits in them, and shaped chalk formations point to ritual activities typical of ancient life in Benin. In one of the pits, up to 100 gin and other bottles from brands like Africana, Van Hoytema, and Van Marken were also excavated. Along with the archaeological find of giant snail shells and large quantities of iron, this site suggests a central altar where such ritual objects were brought.
As previously mentioned, ancient Benin was known for its metalworking of bronze and iron. Evidence for this craftsmanship has also been revealed through workshops with scorched edges and carbonaceous contents. These are presumed to date from the 19th century. Overall, the recent archaeological discovery in the former kingdom illustrate that West African history was culturally and technologically very advanced even before European colonization.
Source: “MOWAA Archaeology Project: enhancing understanding of Benin City’s historic urban development and heritage through pre-construction archaeology” (Antiquity, 2025)
This article was originally published on futurezone.de / 4P.de and has been carefully translated.