Benin celebrates 50 years of independence today.
Benin has a rich artistic tradition that largely exposed Europe to African art, in the 19th century. If you are in the UK, you can see Beninese sculptures from centuries ago at London's British Museum. Read about the circumstances of its "exportation" in this article.
Above, and centuries later, contemporary art by Armand Pascal Aniambossou.
At top, the powerful Beninese Angelique Kidjo doing her thing.
