Ancient Benin Study: Design the Head of an Oba

This resource is meant to be used by children in Key Stage 2 (English objectives pitched to Years 5 and 6) to investigate the history and significance of the commemorative heads made to honour the Oba of Ancient Benin.

Children will first read about the heads through differentiated articles, then investigate the symbolism of different commemorative heads. They will then design their own commemorative head before carving it out of a bar of soap and evaluating their design.

Lastly, children will write an explanation text about their commemorative head.

Sequence of Sessions:

Research Ancient Benin

Investigating different examples of art commissioned by Obas of Ancient Benin

Investigating the significance of animals in commemorative heads of Ancient Benin Obas

Design own Oba head

Carve own Oba head

Evaluate own Oba head

Features of an Explanation Text

Write an Explanation Text

There is also a digital file included for editing and sharing on Google Classroom and Seesaw.

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