He rebelled against efforts to force African ways of thinking into the European worldview. His thoughts had the effect of a bomb in African intellectual life.
Tag: Benin
While Abortion Rights Shrink in U.S., This Small Country Expanded Access
The West African nation of Benin adopted one of the continent’s most liberal laws on abortion last year after hearing testimony from gynecologists about women dying from illegal abortions.
‘Artistic Awakening’ in Benin as Return of Royal Artifacts Attracts Huge Crowds
As more looted art comes back to Africa, countries have wrestled with the right way to display it. That 200,000 people have lined up for a show suggests Benin has found an answer.
Smithsonian Adopts Policy on Ethical Returns in a Nod to Changing Norms
The institution’s leaders hope other cultural centers will follow its lead. It has already announced plans to return most of its collection of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria under the new policy.
In ‘African Origin’ Show at Met, New Points of Light Across Cultures
Holdings from Ancient Egypt and sub-Saharan Africa come together in a masterpiece show. Now the Met should make clear how the wondrous works got here.
Benin Awakens to the Threat of Terrorism After Safari Ends in a Nightmare
A safari guide knew every watering hole in Pendjari National Park in Benin. He did not know that terrorists across the border could reach him in his country.
It Was a Robust Democracy. Then the New President Took Power.
Benin has prided itself on its freedoms, but the increasingly autocratic grip of the West African country’s president is threatening that.
Two French Soldiers Are Killed in Raid That Frees Four Hostages in Burkina Faso
Two French citizens, an American and a South Korean were freed, in a region wracked by armed conflict and terrorism.
Artwork Taken From Africa, Returning to a Home Transformed
A pivotal report calls for thousands of artworks to leave French museums and return to West Africa. An artist, a historian and a philosopher debate what should happen — and what these objects could mean to young Africans who have never seen them.