Documentation of Benin art is mostly focused
on the antiquated objects. While some of the literature
concentrate on the history and reparation, others focus
on materials, methods, and museology. None however, is
directed towards the new forms emerging from the
contemporary bronze casters of Benin. Consequently,
the new forms are not given proper attention, and the
contemporary bronze casters remain anonymous,
waiting to be exposited through art historical
documentation. This study was designated to document
the Aigbe group of bronze casters in Benin, with a view
to identify new forms emerging from the group, and to
spot their similarities and dissimilarities with the
antiquated objects. The study was earmarked to unearth
how the guild system of apprenticeship has expanded to
include new membership; to ascertain the level of
sponsorship received (if any), and to determine the level
of advancement of the work of the group through the
adoption of modern technology. Adopting the descriptive
non-experimental design, the field study employed the
art historical method of inquiry in the humanities, and
the approach was basically contextual.
Keywords : Cire Perdue, Guild, Heritage, Reparation, Restitution, Dynasty, Bronze.