Read the passage:
'Traditional bronze casting in the ancient Kingdom of Benin achieved levels of technical and aesthetic sophistication that astonished European travelers upon their arrival in the late fifteenth century. Utilizing the intricate cire perdue (lost-wax) technique, guild craftsmen known as the Igun Eronmwon produced exquisite commemorative heads, royal plaques, and ceremonial regalia under the direct royal mandate of the reigning Oba. These masterworks functioned not merely as decorative art, but as visual archives documenting court rituals, military triumphs, and royal genealogies.'
Which phrase in the passage indicates that the bronze craftsmen operated under specialized royal authorization?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. operating under the direct royal mandate of the reigning Oba
- Step 1: The passage explicitly notes that the guild craftsmen produced masterworks 'under the direct royal mandate of the reigning Oba'. Answer: operating under the direct royal mandate of the reigning Oba. Why not the others: European travelers were spectators; the items were royal archival pieces, not open commercial goods.
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