Benin art, which is made of cast bronze and carved ivory, was created during the period of the Kingdom of Benin or Edo Empire (1440–1897) in what is now the Southern region of Nigeria. The art was mainly produced for the court of the Oba of Benin, who was considered a divine ruler. These ceremonially significant objects were highly valued and served as both historical documents and ritual objects in Benin culture. To fully appreciate the complexity of these works, it is important to understand the Western perspective that primarily regards them as works of art and the original Benin perception that values them as mnemonic devices for reconstructing history. The cultural significance of Benin art is highly regarded in Benin.