Realistic depiction of an Edo family's daily life in a 15th-16th century Benin City home, with two men talking, a woman weaving, and another preparing food.

A realistic depiction of the interior of a common household in Benin City during the height of the Edo Kingdom, around the 15th–16th century. The house is built of smooth earthen walls with wooden support posts and opens onto a small interior courtyard that lets in daylight. The packed earth floor is clean and well maintained. Inside the room are woven mats, low wooden stools, clay pots, baskets, and carved wooden containers for storage. A few bronze or brass objects and decorative items reflect Benin’s artistic traditions. Members of an Edo family go about daily life—preparing food, weaving, and talking—wearing traditional cloth garments and coral bead jewelry. The atmosphere feels orderly, warm, and lived-in, with natural light and earthy tones. See more