Daisy Wu

  

Volume 8 | Issue III | September 2024

St Paul’s School ’25

New Hampshire, USA

  

My love for visiting museums and galleries has fueled my passion for history and art history. Over the past few years, I have developed a keen interest in exploring the intricate relationship between people and the objects they create and how these relationships have shaped past and present societies. As a frequent museum-goer, I am deeply fascinated by the origins and narratives behind the artifacts on display. When I studied the history of Africa and current restitution discussions in school, I became particularly intrigued by the story of the Benin Bronzes. Motivated to delve deeper, I began by writing a series of main research questions and their sub-questions. My research process involved a variety of sources, such as diaries, books, interviews, and news articles. This comprehensive approach allowed me to examine the Benin Bronzes controversy from multiple perspectives, prompting me to pay close attention to the overlooked nuances. The process of writing my paper was both challenging and rewarding. My initial draft exceeded the word count limit, requiring me to narrow my focus and refine my writing to be more concise. This process sharpened my research and writing skills, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my work with a broader audience. Furthermore, my exploration of the Benin Bronzes has not only deepened my understanding of the colonial period but also inspired me to continue investigating the complex histories behind other artifacts. The insights I gained have reinforced my commitment to studying art history and its impact on society.