Benin, Brass, Bristol & Slavery

Early modern West African society placed great value on brass, one manifestation being the Benin Bronzes (actually brass) which adorned the Oba’s palace.

Portuguese merchants exploited this love, trading brass produced in the Low Countries for ivory, gold and slaves. Bristol Merchant Venturers broke into this trade in the eighteenth century, creating a new local market for brass.

Join Tony Coverdale of the Saltford Brass Mill Project as he explores the history of the brass trade and its close ties to slavery.