Visit these Internet sites to explore West African culture and learn about the great kingdoms that flourished there.

African Art: Aesthetics and Meaning
You can view images of West African art at this online exhibit from the Bayly Art Museum at the University of Virginia. This site also contains information on the elements of African aesthstics.
http://www.lib.virginia.edu/clemons/RMC/exhib/93.ray.aa/African.html

The Ancient West African City of Benin A.D. 1300 - 1897
Step back in time to the ancient city of Benin. This Smithsonian Museum site features photographs of artistic objects from Benin.
http://www.nmafa.si.edu/exhibits/beninsp.htm