Benin bronzes can date back as early as the 12th century, yet in them past and present fuse.

The bidding for the Benin bronze was mostly on the telephone until the end, when a serious-looking young man in the room began to bid.

As a result much of the country's art, including the Benin Bronzes, was either destroyed, looted or dispersed.

Benin bronzes in the hall; here were early Cycladics, lucent and featureless.

At twenty to four the Benin bronze was offered for bids and sold for $65,000, which was just a little higher than the estimate.

It is famous for its reconstructed houses from around the world, its boats, and its many Benin bronzes.

British experts claim the famous Benin bronzes were rescued only because the British seized them in the 19th century.

Some African art scholars have discerned European stylistic influences in Benin bronzes.

A few sculptural types - Benin bronzes, Fang reliquary figures - have become museum staples.

It read: "A Master of Art of the Benin Bronze."