Dr. Kathryn Wysocki Gunsch

About Dr. Kathryn Wysocki Gunsch

Dr. Kathryn Wysocki Gunsch is Teel Curator of African and Oceanic Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and author of "The Benin Plaques: A 16th Century Imperial Monument," Oxford: Routledge, 2018.

Pair of leopards, made of ivory with metal inlay. Edo people, Benin, 19th century. © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 2017. — Royal patrons, artists, and power in the Kingdom of Benin.

Benin Art: Patrons, Artists and Current Controversies

by Dr. Kathryn Wysocki Gunsch

Artist Unidentified, Relief plaque showing a dignitary with drum and two attendants striking gongs, c. 1530-1570, copper alloy (Robert Owen Lehman Collection, Courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) — The audience hall in the palace in Benin City communicated to visiting ambassadors, traders, courtiers, and subjects the power and wealth of the Oba, or king.

The Imagery of Power on Benin Bronze ...

by Dr. Kathryn Wysocki Gunsch

Detail of Oba, Benin plaque, MFA, Boston — How to impress your courtiers: a lesson from the Kingdom of Benin

Benin Plaques

by Dr. Kathryn Wysocki Gunsch and Dr. Beth Harris

Kota reliquary figure (mbulu ngulu), late 19th to early 20th century, Gabon, wood, copper, brass, and bone, 59.69 cm high (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) — These reliquary figures helped a nomadic society to honor their loved ones after death.

Kota reliquary (mbulu ngulu)

by Dr. Kathryn Wysocki Gunsch and Dr. Steven Zucker

Benin Plaques

by Dr. Kathryn Wysocki Gunsch and Dr. Beth Harris

Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!

Carrie Mae Weems's The Kitchen Table Series

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