Most ‘Benin bronzes’ are actually made of brass. At one time brass was rare and expensive. It was a material favoured by the king  (Oba) of Benin  and he adorned his palace with it. Because it never corrodes or rusts brass represents the permanence and continuity of kingship. The brass from Benin on display in most museums has dulled over time. Originally the Benin bronzes would have been a shiny reddish colour. These qualities are considered both threatening and beautiful and are symbolic of the Oba.