Africa-and-Benin

National Curriculum Subject Areas: History, Geography, Art

Length of session: 75 minutes

Maximum group size: 32

Learning Outcomes
•    Use objects to build a picture of civilisation in Ancient Benin
•    Understand how status was conveyed by the King and Court of Benin
•    Investigate power and status objects from different African countries exploring ideas of chieftainship, ancestors, beliefs, crafts and music

Session Outline 
In this guided tour pupils look at objects to build a picture of civilisation in Ancient Benin, and investigate power and status objects from different African countries.

Activity 1 Introduction Pupils consider the size and diversity of Africa and the ways in which power and status can be communicated.

Activity 2 Guided tour Pupils are taken on an interactive guided tour of objects from different African countries round the Museum, including some object handling.  Please organise groups to have a ratio of one Education Guide to every ten pupils.

Activity 3 Museum activity In pairs or small groups pupils search the Museum for objects from different African countries which convey power and status.

If I was allowed to go to any museum, I would choose Pitt Rivers” (Year 6 pupil)