Question
Read the excerpt from "Benin Plaque: The Oba with Europeans.”
Many wild theories were put forward. It was thought that the plaques must have come from ancient Egypt, or perhaps that the people of Benin were one of the lost tribes of Israel. Or the sculptures must have derived from European influence (after all, these were the contemporaries of Michelangelo, Donatello and Cellini). But research quickly established that the Benin plaques were entirely West African creations, made without European influence. The Europeans had to revisit, and to overhaul, their assumptions of easy cultural superiority.
Which central idea is best supported by the details in the excerpt?
Europeans believed that the Benin plaques were inferior to European art.
The Benin plaques challenged Europeans’ beliefs about West Africa.
The Benin plaques were copied by many famous European artists.
Europeans traveled to West Africa to purchase more Benin plaques.
Many wild theories were put forward. It was thought that the plaques must have come from ancient Egypt, or perhaps that the people of Benin were one of the lost tribes of Israel. Or the sculptures must have derived from European influence (after all, these were the contemporaries of Michelangelo, Donatello and Cellini). But research quickly established that the Benin plaques were entirely West African creations, made without European influence. The Europeans had to revisit, and to overhaul, their assumptions of easy cultural superiority.
Which central idea is best supported by the details in the excerpt?
Europeans believed that the Benin plaques were inferior to European art.
The Benin plaques challenged Europeans’ beliefs about West Africa.
The Benin plaques were copied by many famous European artists.
Europeans traveled to West Africa to purchase more Benin plaques.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The central idea that is best supported by the details in the excerpt is:
**The Benin plaques challenged Europeans’ beliefs about West Africa.**
The excerpt discusses how Europeans initially held misconceptions about the origins and significance of the Benin plaques, reflecting their assumptions of cultural superiority. The research that showed the plaques were entirely West African creations forced Europeans to revisit and revise these beliefs, thus challenging their views on West African art and culture.
**The Benin plaques challenged Europeans’ beliefs about West Africa.**
The excerpt discusses how Europeans initially held misconceptions about the origins and significance of the Benin plaques, reflecting their assumptions of cultural superiority. The research that showed the plaques were entirely West African creations forced Europeans to revisit and revise these beliefs, thus challenging their views on West African art and culture.