What is the history of the Edo people?
Edo people. The Edo or Bini (from the word "Benin") people are an ethnic group primarily found in Edo State, and spread across the Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states of Nigeria. They speak the Edo language and are the descendants of the founders of the Benin Empire. They are closely related to other ethnic groups...
Why was Benin so successful?
The success of Benin was fueled by its lively trade. Tradesmen and artisans from Benin developed relationships with the Portuguese, who sought after the kingdom’s artwork, gold, ivory, and pepper. In the early modern era, Benin was also heavily involved in the West African slave trade.
Who was the first king of Benin?
According to history, the Edo people of southern Nigeria founded Benin. They no longer wanted to be ruled by their kings, known as the ogisos. They asked a prince from Ife, an important West African kingdom, to take control. The first oba, or king, in Benin was Eweka. He was the son of the prince from Ife.
What race is Benin related to?
Edo people. They are closely related to other ethnic groups that speak Edoid languages, such as the Esan, the Afemai and the Owan . The name "Benin" (and "Bini") is a Portuguese corruption, ultimately from the word "Ubinu", which came into use during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, c. 1440.
What were the Benin best known for?
They were famous for their bas-relief sculptures, particularly plaques, and life-size head sculptures. The plaques typically portrayed historical events, and the heads were often naturalistic and life size.
Why was Benin so successful?
Under these obas Benin became a highly organized state. Its numerous craftsmen were organized into guilds, and the kingdom became famous for its ivory and wood carvers. Its brass smiths and bronze casters excelled at making naturalistic heads, bas-reliefs, and other sculptures.
How did people survive in Benin?
Many people in Benin lived in villages in the rainforest. They grew vegetables and they built their houses from mud, wood and palm leaves. Men from all over the kingdom served the Oba as soldiers. Warriors went into battle armed with swords, spears and crossbows, and by the 1600s they had guns as well.
Is Edo and Benin the same?
Edo is also the vernacular name for Benin City, the centre of the Benin kingdom, which flourished from the 14th to the 17th century.
What did Benin used to be called?
DahomeyBenin, officially Republic of Benin, French République du Bénin, formerly (until 1975) Dahomey or (1975–90) People's Republic of Benin, country of western Africa.
What is Benin called now?
the Republic of BeninThe country's name was officially changed to the Republic of Benin on 1 March 1990, after the newly formed government's constitution was completed.
What is an interesting fact about Benin?
Benin was once called the Dahomey - it first acquired the name “Benin” in 1975. It derives its name from the large body of water at the southern end of the colony "the Bight of Benin." The capital city of Benin is Porto-Novo but the largest city is Cotonou which is also home to the government.
Is Benin a good place?
Benin is a good introduction to Africa as it has it all: great wildlife, great beaches, great people and culture and it caters well for tourists without felling like a tourist destination.
Is Benin safe to live?
Do Not Travel to: The northern regions of Benin, including Park Pendjari, Park W, and adjacent hunting zones, and Benin's northeastern border area with Nigeria, due to terrorism and kidnapping.
What is I love you in Edo language?
I love you - Ih rhuẹmwen wẹ
What are the Edo people best known for?
The Edo people are internationally recognized for their art. Ivory masks dating back to the Benin Empire are perhaps one of the Kingdom's most memorable legacies. Brass works are also a cornerstone of Edo art and culture.
How do you say hello in Edo?
Sample phrases in EdoÓb'ókhían = Welcome.Ób'ówa = Greetings to you at home.Kóyo = Hello.Vbèè óye hé? = How are you?Òy' èsé = It is fine, o.k.Ób'ówie = Good morning.Ób'ávàn = Good afternoon.Ób' ótà = Good evening.More items...
How did Benin became an empire?
As they approached the borders of Benin, a group of warriors drove them back and several British men were killed. This attack made the British furious. They sent over a thousand soldiers to invade Benin. Benin City was burnt to the ground and the kingdom of Benin became part of the British Empire.
How did Benin develop?
The Benin Kingdom was "one of the oldest and most developed states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa". It was formed out of the previous Edo Kingdom of Igodomigodo around the 11th century AD, and lasted until it was annexed by the British Empire in 1897.
What led to the fall of Benin?
The Benin kingdom fell mainly because, in an age when the traders and the British consular officials had reasons impelling them to penetrate into the hinterland, Oba Ovonramwen was clinging to traditional policies of economic exclusiveness and monopolistic practices which inflicted economic losses on the revenues of ...
Why is Benin so poor?
One reason is poor agricultural practices. Cotton makes up about 70 percent of Benin's export earnings, so the country's economy is at risk of low levels of crop production. The country's emphasis on cotton has led to land degradation, making it even more difficult for small-scale Beninese farmers to earn a living.
How long was the Benin kingdom successful?
The Benin kingdom was very successful for about 200years till the 1600s when the Oba’s couldn’t control the people anymore. In the 1800s, Benin was no longer strong or united and thus, faced threats from Britain. The British wanted to take control of Benin and its natural resources, selling its palm oil and rubber to make money. The Oba refused the British but they wouldn’t adhere to his instructions, insisting on their right to trade.
What was the Benin kingdom called?
When the Benin kingdom was first created, during the first millennium (before the current era), it was originally called Igodomigodo. Their ruler was called Ogiso (Ruler of the sky). Nearly 36 known Ogiso are accounted for as rulers during the first millennium. However, the rule of the Ogisos came to an end in the 1100s due to struggles for power thus, the Ogisos lost control of their kingdom.
What is Benin art?
Benin art is the art from the Kingdom of Benin or Edo Empire (1440–1897). It has been in existence since the 13th century but was only made known to foreigners in the 19th century. The Benin artworks are mostly made of cast bronze and carved ivory, Benin art was produced mainly for the court of the Oba of Benin. The empire is known to have great artworks that are now distributed in museums around the globe. Art is one major thing that fascinated the British during their visit to Benin. Some of these artworks include; the Benin ivory mask, the Benin bronze and the bronze head of Queen Idia.
What is the Edo state?
Edo state is a Nigerian state known for its richness in culture. It’s capital; Benin City is known in history to be one of the first destinations of the Europeans during their visit and exploration of the African continent. Benin City is also popular for its fine works of art made with bronze, brass and ivory. These works of art are found all over museums around the world. The state is also prominent for the Benin museum, the royal palace of Benin and the hills in Akoko-Edo. The people of Edo state are the descendants of the people who formed the historical Benin kingdom.
What is the oldest kingdom in Nigeria?
Benin Kingdom is the oldest kingdom in Nigeria. It was formed long before the Europeans came to colonize Nigeria (a pre-colonial kingdom). The kingdom was located in what is now known as southern Nigeria. The Benin kingdom is different from the capital of Edo state, Benin City, which is the post-colonial nation state. The Kingdom of Benin’s capital was Edo, now known as Benin City in Edo state.
When was Benin founded?
According to tradition, the kingdom of Benin was founded from Ife, whence, in the late 14th century, knowledge of brass casting may have... The village is the basis of Edo political life. In each village the males are divided into three age-sets.
What religion do Edo people follow?
Many Edo are Christians or Muslims. Traditional religion includes belief in a remote creator, lesser gods, mythical or semimythical village heroes, and spirits of the dead.
What is the meaning of the name Edo?
Edo is also the vernacular name for Benin City, the centre of the Benin kingdom, which flourished from the 14th to the 17th century. Edo pendant mask of the queen mother ( iyoba ), ivory, from the court of Benin, Nigeria, 16th century; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. Photograph by Trish Mayo.
What do the Edo people eat?
The Edo live in compact village settlements ranging in size from small hamlets to towns of several thousand people. They subsist primarily on yams, supplemented by corn (maize), plantains, cassava, and other vegetables. Livestock includes goats, sheep, dogs, and fowl, used mainly for sacrificial offerings.
What is the Edo language?
Full Article. Edo, also called Bini, people of southern Nigeria who speak a language of the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo language family. The Edo numbered about 3.8 million at the turn of the 21st century.
What does the council decide?
The council decides on matters related to tax collection, collective tasks, religious festivals, relations with central authorities, and other community concerns. The nonhereditary village headman is usually the oldest man in the village; he also serves as priest of ancestral and earth spirits.
What is the origin of the name Benin?
They are closely related to other ethnic groups that speak Edoid languages, such as the Esan, the Afemai, the Isoko ,and the Urhobo. The name "Benin" (and "Bini") is a Portuguese corruption, ultimately from the word "Ubini", which came into use during the reign of Oba (ruler) Ewuare the Great, c. 1440. "Ubini", an ancient Edo word meaning beautiful ...
Where are the Edo people from?
Edo people. The Edo or Benin people are an Edoid ethnic group primarily found in Edo State, Southern part of Nigeria. They speak the Edo language and are the descendants of the founders of the Benin Empire. They are closely related to other ethnic groups that speak Edoid languages, such as the Esan, the Afemai, the Isoko ,and the Urhobo.
What are some of the most famous Edo art pieces?
Some of the notable Edo art pieces include the mask of the Queen Mother Idia and a vast collection of historical Edo art pieces called the Benin Bronzes which can be found not only in Nigeria but further dispersed around the world. Main article: Art of the Kingdom of Benin.
What do Edo people wear?
Edo people have one of the dress cultures on the African continent. Their fashion accessories holds royalty and typically includes red beads, body marks, bangles, anklets, raffia work and so on.
What ethnic group is the Niger Delta?
Niger Delta. Languages. Edo language. Religion. Predominantly Christianity. Related ethnic groups. Afemai, Esan, Isoko, Urhobo and Akpes. The Edo or Benin people are an Edoid ethnic group primarily found in Edo State, Southern part of Nigeria. They speak the Edo language and are the descendants of the founders of the Benin Empire.
Where are the Binis located?
The Binis are situated in Seven local government of Edo south which happens to be the most populated senatorial district in the state, They have populated towns like Okada, Ekiadolor, Urhonigbe, Abudu, these four of which the population won't be less than hundred thousand each,They also have other lesser large towns like Usen,Iguobazuwa,Ehor, these three communities not less than fifty thousand each and a host of a number of other smaller communities with about 20,000 in population. There are also some Binis in Delta- The Oza people, Alilehan, Evbosor which is called Alisor by the Ika people with nothing less than 300,000 home and abroad. And Also Because They are a city people as a result of their centralized system of monarchy, the People have the largest city in the south south both in landmass and in population with a population of about 2million within Oredo the center of the city, Egor and some Parts of Ikpoba Okha which is Known as Benin city today, then a continuous population of about 1.5 to 2million among towns she has formed conurbation with,like Use, Egor, Ugbiyioko, Utagban, Evboutubu, Oghede, Uholor, Oloku, Ovbiogie, Ekosodin, Ugbowo, Isihor, Eyean, Egbean and a host of others.
What is the traditional art of Edo?
Traditional Edo art consists of widely identifiable sculptures, plaques and masks which reflect various spiritual and historical aspects of their cultural traditions. Some of the notable Edo art pieces include the mask of the Queen Mother Idia and a vast collection of historical Edo art pieces called the Benin Bronzes which can be found not only in Nigeria but further dispersed around the world.
What is the origin of the name Benin?
It is, however, important to state here that the name "Benin" (and "Bini") is a Portuguese corruption, ultimately from the word "Ubinu", which came into use during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, c. 1440.
Where are the Edo people?
The Edo or Bini (from the word "Benin") people are an ethnic group primarily found in Edo State, and spread across the Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states of Nigeria. They speak the Edo language and are the descendants of the founders of the Benin Empire.
Where did Oduduwa come from?
For if the ancient throne of Oduduwa can be, disputedly, traced to the Bini (Benin) kingdom, then the origin of Oduduwa's origin can only be traced to the sky.
Who must give an account to Osanobua?
And after death, the person and his or her ehi must give an account to Osanobua.
What are the native drinks?
Native beverages include palm wine and Ogoro. These drinks are made from the juices of palm trees.
What is the Benin story?
The Benin creation story has it that the universe was covered with water and at the middle of the water there was a tree and on this tree there lived a bird called Owonwon.
When was Benin ruled?
The history of Benin cannot be completely told without reference to the interaction with the Yoruba people of Western Nigeria. Between 900 and 1220 AD, Benin was ruled by a long line of Ogisos, the last of them being Ogiso Owodo who had only one male child.
Why did Osanobua send the Chameleon?
The sons of Osanobua were afraid to step on the land so they sent the chameleon to test the land, which is what the Binis believe still makes the chameleon to walk with hesitation today. After the creation of land, Osanobua then came down to the earth on a chain to allocate responsibilities to his three sons.
Why did Osanobua come down to earth?
After the creation of land, Osanobua then came down to the earth on a chain to allocate responsibilities to his three sons. The oldest was given authority over the water, hence the Binis call him Olokun which means “god of the river”. He is still vibrantly worshipped in Benin till today.
What is the name of the land that Osanobua named?
He named the land Agbon and set up his headquarters at Igodomigodo which is in the present day Benin kingdom. In Benin mythology, Osanobua and Olokun are usually associated with life, health, wealth and all good things, while Oguiwu is associated with mourning, death and evil. The youngest son is seen as a symbol of innocence ...
Why was there a leadership vacuum in Nigeria?
According to the tradition of Igodomigodo, only a first son of an Ogiso can ascend to the throne hence there was a leadership vacuum because the only son of Owodo had been sent away.
When did the Binis start?
In as much as the account of creation and origin given by the Bini is based on mythology, it is however not in doubt that the Binis already had an organised city and existing administrative structure in existence as far back as 900 A D , when Igodomigodo was ruled by kings called Ogiso or “rulers of the sky”, because they were believed to be direct descendants of the youngest son of Osanobua the creator who had come from the sky.
The History and Formation of Edo State.
The Benin Kingdom
Early History
The British Attack on The Benin Kingdom
The Gods, Law and Sacrifice
Contact with The Europeans
The Art of The Benin Kingdom
- Benin art is the art from the Kingdom of Benin or Edo Empire (1440–1897). It has been in existence since the 13th century but was only made known to foreigners in the 19th century. The Benin artworks are mostly made of cast bronze and carved ivory, Benin art was produced mainly for the court of the Oba of Benin. The empire is known to have great ar...