An altar of King Ewuakpe

This altar group of King Ewuakpe is exemplary of the individualization of Benin's art. It was in the center of the memorial altar that Akenzua I erected for his father, and illustrates the eventful history of the king, his deposition, and reinstatement. Ewuakpe is not depicted with the full insignia of royal power - like Akenzua I in his altar group - but with a European-looking hat. However, he is wearing a large royal pearl and a high collar. The two accompanying figures are unadorned; they are interpreted as the two slaves with whom, according to oral tradition, he left the palace alone after he was deposed. The pestle in his right hand, decorated with powerful symbols, refers to the peaceful reconciliation of the reinstated king with the warriors and city lordss.

King Ewuakpe was a historical figure from the Kingdom of Benin, an ancient and powerful kingdom located in what is now southern Nigeria. He is best known for his reign during the late 17th century, although the exact years of his rule are difficult to pinpoint due to the challenges in documenting Benin's history before European colonization.

Ewuakpe was one of the kings (called Obas) of Benin, succeeding his father, Oba Orhogbua. The Benin Kingdom, which flourished from the 11th century, was well known for its advanced political organization, its skilled craftsmanship (particularly in bronze casting), and its strong military. The kingdom’s capital was Benin City, located in present-day Edo State, Nigeria. Ewuakpe’s reign was marked by several significant events:

1. Internal Struggles:
Like many African kingdoms, Benin experienced internal struggles for power, and there were often rival factions vying for control. Ewuakpe’s reign may have been affected by these struggles.

2. Political and Religious Changes:
The kingdom was also dealing with the influence of foreign trade and the arrival of European traders along the coast. This had an impact on the political and economic systems of the kingdom. While his reign was relatively short, King Ewuakpe played a significant role in continuing the legacy of the Benin monarchy, which was central to the kingdom’s prestige and authority.

3. Legacy of King Ewuakpe
Though not as famous as some other Obas of Benin, such as Oba Ewuare the Great or Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi (who famously resisted British colonial forces during the Benin Expedition of 1897), Ewuakpe's role in the kingdom's history remains part of Benin's rich and intricate history.

The Benin Kingdom is renowned for its Benin Bronzes, which are sophisticated metal sculptures created from brass and other materials. These bronzes are a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the Benin people during the time of the Obas, including those like Ewuakpe.

Lit.: Benin, Könige und Rituale, Höfische Kunst aus Nigeria, editir parbara Plankensteiner ua. page 470 ff.

Height: 56 cm
Length: 34 cm
Weight: 25,6 kg