All these were done by the Edo people of the Benin city Empire. The wall, for 400 years, served the Edo people, protecting the people, their traditions, and the historical Benin City in general.

This 16th- or 17th-century copper alloy plaque—one of the ten Benin Bronzes removed from view—depicts a high-ranking warrior flanked by musicians and a page holding a ceremonial sword.

The Benin Bronzes are what campaigners really want returned to Benin City and shown in this museum. What do those objects mean to you? It was profound the first time I saw them — and it still is.