BY APPOLOS IBEABUCHI OZIOGU, HERITAGE
When you talk of Benin, you think of bronze works. Bronze casting in Benin dates to 1400 AD when it was introduced by Oba Oguola.
According to oral tradition, the Benin people migrated from Eqypt and settled both in Sudan and Ile – Ife and later to the present location, Benin City. Benin is described as a continuous centre of civilization. It has been a major centre of artistic works for over 500 years. And it is still a leading city, endowed with rich cultural heritage.
The common language of Benin people is Edo and their King is called Oba whose status of authority and ceremonial items are lavishly represented in bronzes and ivory, thus distinguishing him as one of the most autocratic institution in traditional African politics. The palace of an Oba is richly decorated with various plaques, impressive figures of the King and the memorial figures of his royal ancestors.
The pre – colonial Benin Oba had tremendous political power. His administration was full of bureaucracies. He had scores of local Chiefs assigned for different and various political, social and religious duties.
The Oba himself resided in the heart of Benin City, and his subjects revered him as a divine King of both land and sea.
For the records
But the early Benin Kingdom was not ruled by Oba as we have presently. Rather, they were ruled by Ogisos, who were known as the "rulers of the sky" or "Sky Kings' or "rulers from the sky".
The first Ogiso, called "Igoso Igodo" is said to have begun his first dynasty about 900AD. It is also said that before the Ogisos, Benin practiced a form of gerontocracy. That is the oldest male, Odionwere presided over the people.
(http://vml1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/benin.jpg) (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/07/benin-art-of-ancient-nigeria/benin/)Bronze casting in ancient Benin- it dates back to 1400 AD. Much was heard about Benin city by the early European explorers and traders as a fortified and thickly populated kingdom of a great military might and political power as well as artistic accomplishments.
But in the later years during the British occupation of Nigeria, a colonial officer, Vice Consul J. R. Phillips (1896) in his memo described Benin as a straggling town, not thickly populated and having no defences except the mud walls and it appeared least improbable that they had any arms to speak of except the usual number of den guns to be found among the tribes of West Africa.
It was during the British administration that Vice J. R. Phillips' led an entourage to the city of Benin on a courtesy visit, but they were turned back politely because the Oba was performing their traditional rites during which it was regarded as a taboo to host or receive visitors, no matter how expedient their mission is.
But when Vice Consul J. R. Phillips and his men blatantly refused to go but doggedly insited on entering the City, contrary to their tradition, the young Benin militants succeeded in killing all of them but one who miraculously escaped and reported the incidence.
It was in February 1987 that a band of pugnacious and combative British soldiers led by Consul General Moore entered Benin City on what was described as a punitive expedition and eventually massacred the Benin young men and warriors, and thus put the women, old men and children to flight.
There were voices heard in the city, sobbing and wailing. There were loud laments within the City and its environs as women were beating their chests and breasts because their husbands, children (young warriors) and relations were no more!! The City of Benin was then totally desolate and deserted.
(http://vml1.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/benin1.jpg) (http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/07/benin-art-of-ancient-nigeria/benin1/)Ancient Benin Bronze works Their King, Oba Ovonranmwen was held in hostage while thousands of precious and priceless art treasures of Benin Kingdom in wood, bronze and Ivory at the Oba's palace were all looted and taken to England while the King himself was deported to Calabar in exile. Benin Ivory Mask of 22.8cm in height was one of the cultural objects discovered in the room of Oba Ovonramwen during the punitive expedition in 1987. It was reproduced as FESTAC 77 symbol.
Until the end of the 19th Century, Benin was one of the ancient Kingdoms of Nigeria ruled by an Oba and his court. However, since the expedition, The City is wearing a new and changing face. Benin City (Adibe Onyonu, 2010) has a close – packed pattern of houses and streets like Akpakpava, Mission Road, Oba Palace Road, Sophonba Road, Airport Road and Sapele Road which converge on the Kings square, close to the palace and compounds of the Oba of Benin
More is known about Benin art than any other cultures in Nigeria. The Benin Kingdom is famous for its bronze works. Benin City of Edo is synonymous with bronze casting.
When you talk of Benin, you think of bronze works. Bronze casting in Benin dates to 1400 AD when it was introduced by Oba Oguola. But Ekpo Eyo (1977) argued that besides Igbo – Ukwu; Ife and Benin are not known to have any tradition of bronze casting.To him, Benin learnt the technique of the lost wax method of casting from Ife, but did not adapt Ife concept of art.
Shedding more light on this, a Benin historian of renown, Chief J. U. Egherevba (1968) said that if an Oba of Benin died, his head was sent to Ife for burial and in its place, a bronze memorial head was brought back from Ife.
According to history, bronze heads were found in Ife dating to 14th century AD. Obalufon, the 3rd Ooni of Ife is said to have introduced the technique of bronze casting to Ife. A bronze mask in a naturalistic style is said to be of Obalufon himself.
Further, the acclaimed Benin historian, Chief Egherevba stated that in late 1400 AD, the Oba of Benin, Oba Oguola sought in the sacred city of Ife of a master bronze founder to instruct Benin craftsmen in the making of memorial head for their ancestral shrines, that is, the art of bronze casting.
In response, the Ooni of Ife sent his own son, Igueghae. It is said that till today, Igueghae is venerated or deified at his own after altar or shine with terra – cotta heads.
The bronze casters are said to be the descendants of Igueghae, who is their great grand father. Members of the guild of bronze casters inhabit Igun Street of Benin City as a kind of link to a historical family, dating to 1400 AD.
Thus, to keep the bronze – casting tradition in the family, each bronze caster has a training school attached to his workshop where his children are given rudimentary training in bronze casting skill. Historically, Benin has been described as a centre of arts and culture. Benin brass – works and terra – cottas enjoy world – wide reputation.
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