What precious material was extensively carved into commemorative pendant masks, armlets, and musical side-blown horns by court artists in ancient Benin?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. elephant ivory
- Step 1: Benin artists of the Igbesanmwan guild were master ivory carvers. Step 2. They carved intricate ceremonial masks (such as the Festac '77 Queen Idia mask), tusks for ancestral altars, and royal armlets. Answer: elephant ivory. Why not the others: Marble, pig iron, and obsidian were not traditional media for Benin royal masks.
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