Answer to Question 1
Like the rulers of ancient Egypt, Benin kings are viewed as sacred beings, which is common in many African societies. Art is employed to dramatize and support this concept of a sacred kingship. Royal altars were dedicated to the king's hand, a symbol of physical prowess. Hands are depicted around its base where they alternate with rams' heads. The king is shown seated atop the altar flanked by attendants in a symmetrical composition, which expresses a social hierarchy. The king is at the center and is portrayed larger than the other figures, which employs scale as an indication of importance. Proportionally, the king takes up one-third of his total height. Representations of the king manifest themselves through the use of proportion.
Answer to Question 2
Where the mosaics in a Byzantine church might depict Jesus, Mary, and saints, the mosaics in a mosque do not portray any people, much less images of God. The Qur'an contains a stern warning against the worship of idols, and this led to a doctrine prohibiting images of animate beings in religious contexts. The creative result was decorative geometric patterns and stylized plant forms. Arabic script also became an important element of decoration.
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