The Benin Empire, which reached its height in the 16th and 17th centuries, was one of the kingdoms in the forest belt of West Africa in what is now Nigeria. Much of the old kingdom survives today: the Oba still lives in his palace performing many of the traditional ceremonies; the Benin bronzes are renowned for their beauty, as well as their historical significance, and the traditional methods of casting are still used today; oral tradition has kept the history of Benin alive to this day. This series uses modern documentary material, archival film, dance, drama, and storytelling to bring alive the history, culture, and contemporary life of one of the great cultures of West Africa—an area of particular significance for those of African or West Indian background. 5-part series, 15 minutes each.