Bronze sculptures from Africa and Europe showcase distinct techniques rooted in their cultural and historical contexts. African bronze casting, particularly from regions like Benin and the Yoruba kingdoms, is renowned for its mastery of the lost-wax (cire perdue) method. This intricate process involves creating a wax model, encasing it in clay, and melting the wax to leave a mold for molten bronze. African artisans often prioritized expressive forms and symbolic storytelling, with works like the Benin Bronzes displaying elaborate detailing and hierarchical compositions.

In contrast, European bronze sculptures, especially from the Renaissance onward, emphasized anatomical precision and realism. European artists like Donatello and Giambologna combined lost-wax casting with meticulous chasing and finishing techniques to achieve lifelike textures and dynamic poses. While both traditions shared the lost-wax method, European works often integrated classical ideals and scientific proportions, whereas African sculptures leaned toward stylization and spiritual significance.

Material availability also influenced techniques: African bronzes frequently used imported metals, while European foundries had local access to copper and tin. Ultimately, these differences highlight how cultural values and technological adaptations shaped two unique artistic legacies in bronze.