Short Answer 
The cultures of Ile Ife and Benin are marked by distinctive artistic expressions, with Ile Ife known for its realistic sculptures and Benin for its diverse media that reflect social life. Their religious practices varied, with Ile Ife focusing on elaborate festivals while Benin integrated religious elements with its political authority. Politically, Benin had a structured kingdom often in conflict, while Ile Ife was facing colonial influences, showcasing different responses to European interactions.
1. Explore Artistic Expression
The artistic traditions of Ile Ife and Benin illustrate their unique cultural identities. Ile Ife is celebrated for its naturalistic bronze sculptures and terra cotta artworks, which emphasize realism and detail. In contrast, Benin showcased a diverse range of artistic media, including ivory, wood, and brass, and focused on various subjects that depicted not only royalty but also social life and governance.
2. Understand Religious Practices
Religious observances played different roles in these empires. Ile Ife engaged in elaborate festivals centered on the worship of deities, demonstrating a deep spiritual connection in their community. Meanwhile, Benin intertwined its political, social, and religious spheres, using art as a means to both honor their deities and reinforce the political authority of the monarchy.
3. Analyze Political Structures and European Interactions
The political landscape in both empires varied significantly. Benin operated as a powerful kingdom with a hierarchical political structure, often experiencing internal conflicts like succession disputes. In terms of European interactions, by the 1880s, Ile Ife was coming under colonial influence, while Benin actively resisted European pressures to maintain its sovereignty, highlighting differing approaches to foreign contact and control.