Royal Bas-Reliefs of Abomey

Conservation of earthen bas-reliefs from the Royal Palaces of Abomey, a World Heritage Site

Person applies Q-tip to a bas relief depicting two people reaching towards one another

Cleaning of a bas-relief at the Musée Historique d'Abomey, Abomey, Benin.

About

Goal

The most famous and historically significant site in the West African Republic of Benin is a complex of earthen structures known as the Royal Palaces of Abomey. Earthen bas-reliefs (relief sculptures) were an integral decorative feature of the palaces representing significant events in the evolution of the Fon people. The Royal Bas-Reliefs of Abomey project sought to study and conserve fifty polychrome earthen bas-relief panels that had been removed from the Salle des Bijoux in the palace building.

Outcomes

  • Training of local Benin staff in conservation, photo documentation, and long-term care of the bas-reliefs
  • A documentary for the general public entitled History Told on Walls, covering the conservation and cultural significance of the royal bas-reliefs
  • Permanent exhibition of the bas-reliefs of the royal palaces of Abomey at the Musée Historique d'Abomey
  • A 2000 exhibition at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on the tradition and conservation of bas-relief art in Benin, West Africa

Background

Resources

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