**Abstract**

Colors are practically ubiquitous in the artistic and craft objects of the South Benin region, affiliated to the Yoruba cultural area. Apart from the usual ochres and kaolin, the paint layers of the sculptures are little known, especially in terms of their binders but also plant dyes exploited. Colors from plants, usually used in textile dyeing or wickerwork, were among others also used in painting. The midterm of research and analysis carried out in a multidisciplinary context provided information on the techniques formerly used by artists and craftsmen as well as on the original materials used. This information is inherent in a possible restoration of old museum objects.

**Keywords:** heritage objects, painting, characterization, conservation-restoration, Benin
