Question

analyzing supporting details

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.
-a history of the world in 100 objects, neil macgregor

which idea from the text is best supported by details in the passage?

modern british culture now has a strong african component.
there is a link between the benin people and the ancient israelites.
the influence of european artists like michelangelo was widespread.
the plaques disproved the initial european assumption that african artists were inferior.

Explanation:

Analyze the passage details

The passage states that "wild theories" were initially proposed to explain the origin of the Benin plaques, attributing them to ancient Egypt, the lost tribes of Israel, or European influence. However, research proved they were "entirely West African creations, made without European influence." Consequently, Europeans had to "revisit, and to overhaul, their assumptions of easy cultural superiority."

Evaluate the answer choices

• Modern British culture now has a strong African component: Not mentioned or supported by the text.
• There is a link between the Benin people and the ancient Israelites: The text explicitly calls this a "wild theory" that was disproved by research.
• The influence of European artists like Michelangelo was widespread: The text states the plaques were made "without European influence."
• The plaques disproved the initial European assumption that African artists were inferior: Supported directly by the text stating that research proved the plaques were entirely West African, forcing Europeans to overhaul "their assumptions of easy cultural superiority."

Answer:

• Modern British culture now has a strong African component.
• There is a link between the Benin people and the ancient Israelites.
• The influence of European artists like Michelangelo was widespread.
• The plaques disproved the initial European assumption that African artists were inferior. (Correct answer)