Thinking man (bronze)

Africa has a story of bronze sculptures due to the discovery of the Benin Bronzes, a group of more than a thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin (modern-day Nigeria). When discovered, it appeared incredible to the discoverers that people presumed to be so primitive and savage were responsible for such highly developed objects. This is a clear indicative of the spiritual nature of the African artisans’ abilities. Such skills materialize in this hand-made bronze sculpture of the classical thinking man. In African culture, the ability to think instead of reacting is essential for the role of Kingship. The Thinker is depicted as a man in sober meditation battling with a powerful internal struggle.