Edo people

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Edo people
The Edo Cultural Group.jpg
An Edo children's cultural assembly
Total population
2,258,000 [1] [2]
Regions with significant populations
Edo State
Languages
Edo and English
Religion
Predominantly Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Afemai, Esan, Isoko, Urhobo

The Edopeople, also referred to as the Beninpeople, [3] are an Edoid-speaking ethnic group. [4] They are prominently native to seven southern local government areas of Edo State, Nigeria. They are speakers of the Edo language and are closely related to other Edoid ethnic groups, such as the Esan, the Etsakọ, the Isoko and Urhobo as well as other southern ethnic groups

Contents

The names Benin and Bini are Portuguese corruptions, ultimately from the word Ubini, which came into use during the reign of Oba (ruler) Ewuare, c. 1440. Ubini is an Edo word meaning 'livable', used by Pa Idu, the progenitor of the Edo people, to describe the area found as a livable locale during their sojourn from lower Egypt. Ubini was later corrupted to Benin by the mixed ethnicities living together at the centre; and further corrupted to Benin around 1485, when the Portuguese began trade relations with Oba Ewuare giving them coral beads. [5]

History

Location of the Edo homeland (dark green) in Nigeria (green) Edo.jpeg
Location of the Edo homeland (dark green)

in Nigeria  (green)

Administrative region

Edo people can be found in Nigeria's Edo State, which got its name from the primary inhabitants of the region's most notable historical conglomeration, Benin City, which is also the central capital homeland of the Edo people. Edo people also have many related groups in their immediate surroundings also encompassed by the political and administrative borders of Edo state. [6] Most of these groups have traced their history back to the historical city center off the Benin people, Benin City. Examples of such adjacent groups include various Afemai sub-groups, the Esan people of Edo state and the Akoko Edo people situated on the state's northern borders. [7]

Edo state was formerly part of the old Bendel state of early post-colonial Nigeria, also known as the Mid-Western Region, Nigeria. This region's influence and culture reflects that of the Edo, Urhobo, Esan and other Edo related peoples. [8] There are also 18 local government areas in Edo. These are: Akoko Edo, Egor, Esan central, Esan west, Esan south-east, Esan north-east, Igueben, Ikpoba oka, Estako east, Estako west, Estako central, Oredo, Owan East, Owan west, Ovia north-east, Ovia south-west, uhunmwode, Orhionmwon

Location of Edo state and Benin City in Nigeria Nigeria-karte-politisch-edo.png
Location of Edo state and Benin City in Nigeria
Edo cultural dressing with beaded crowns and outfits Theatre art class of 2013, Unilag.jpg
Edo cultural dressing with beaded crowns and outfits
Tunic African Lace VLM 23.jpg
Tunic

Fashion

The Edo people have a very rich and flamboyant traditional fashion style. This is usually prominent during ceremonies such as weddings, coronation and the liked. When it comes to cultural attire, the Edo people maintain a unique way of dressing. Coral bead accessories are a true passion for Edo women and men. Common includes coral beads, anklets, raffia work and so on. [9] The men usually wear a white T-shirt or shirt and above it, a multicolored striped fabric. There are options with other patterns. The choice of headdress depends on the preferences of a man. Some men even prefer to wear black hats as part of their traditional attire.

It is also popular to choose a carved walking stick that makes a groom look like a true gentleman. Wearing a wrapper around the waist is also a tradition for many men.

The cultural attire is usually accompanied by a cap or hat. The caps are often called headdress and are made either of a mesh of coral beads or of fabric.

The women tie beautiful wrappers made from a variety of fabrics including Velvet, lace and george. They also wear the Ewu-ivie, a beaded cape or blouse. Women adorn their necks with coral beads known as Ivie-uru and wear the Ivie-obo on their hands and beaded earrings. Their handbag is made out of coral beads as well the Ekpa-ivie. [10]

Traditional beliefs

In the traditional religion of the Edo, there exists, besides the human world, an invisible world of supernatural beings acting as interceders for the human world. Offerings are made to them in their respective shrines. Osanobua is the creator and Supreme God. His son/daughter Olokun is ruler of all bodies of water and is responsible for the prosperity and fertility of his/her human followers. Another son Ogun, is the patron god of metalworkers. The epithet Osanobua Noghodua mean God Almighty. The word Osanobua encompasses a large number of divine principles - including the divine state of being merciful, timeless, goodness, justice, sublimity, and supreme. In the Edo belief system, Osanobua has the divine attributes of omnipresence (orhiole), omniscience (ajoana), and omnipotence (udazi). The Supreme Deity is believed to be present everywhere and at all times. [11] [12]

16th century ivory portrait of Queen Mother Idia Met Queen Mother Mask (cropped).jpg
16th century ivory portrait of Queen Mother Idia

Art and architecture

Figure of Oba Oguola, an Edo king Oba Oguola - MCN 4179 (cropped).jpg
Figure of Oba Oguola, an Edo king

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, including in museums such as New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. [13]

Notable Edo people

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benin City</span> Capital city of Edo State, Nigeria

Benin City serves as the capital and largest metropolitan centre of Edo State, situated in southern Nigeria. Notably, it ranks as the fourth-most populous city in Nigeria, according to the 2006 national census, preceded only by Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oba of Benin</span> Traditional ruler of the Edo people

The Oba of Benin is the traditional ruler and the custodian of the culture of the Edo people and all Edoid people. The then Kingdom of Benin has continued to be mostly populated by the Edo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edo State</span> State of Nigeria

Edo, officially known as Edo State, is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of the federal republic of Nigeria. As of 2022, the state was ranked as the 22nd most populous state (4,777,000) in Nigeria. The estimated state population is around 4,777,000 in 2022. Edo State is the 22nd largest state by landmass in Nigeria. The state's capital and largest city, Benin City, is the fourth largest city in Nigeria, and the centre of the country's rubber industry. Created in 1991 from the former Bendel State, it is also known as the heart beat of the nation. Edo State borders Kogi State to the north for 133 km and across the Niger River for 81 km to the northeast, Anambra State to the east for about four km across the Niger River, Delta State to the southeast and south for 350 km, and Ondo State to the west.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Esan people</span> Ethnic group in Nigeria

Esan people, or Esans, are an Edoid-speaking ethnic group who share a common culture and the Esan language. The Esan are traditionally known to be agriculturalists, trado-medical practitioners, mercenary warriors and hunters. They cultivate palm trees, Irvingia gabonensis (erhonhiele), Cherry (Otien), bell pepper (akoh) coconut, betel nut, kola nut, black pear, avocado pear, yams, cocoyam, cassava, maize, rice, beans, groundnut, bananas, oranges, plantains, sugar cane, tomato, potato, okra, pineapple, paw paw, and various vegetables.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ewuare</span> Oba of Benin (1440 AD–1473 AD)

Ewuare, originally known as Prince Ogun, was the twelfth Oba of the Benin Empire from 1440 until 1473. Ewuare became king in a violent coup against his brother Uwaifiokun which destroyed much of Benin City. After the war, Ewuare rebuilt much of the city of Benin, reformed political structures in the kingdom, greatly expanded the territory of the kingdom, and fostered the arts and festivals. He left a significant legacy in the Kingdom of Benin

<i>Art of the Kingdom of Benin</i>

Benin art is the art from the Kingdom of Benin or Edo Empire (1440–1897), a pre-colonial African state located in what is now known as the Southern region of Nigeria. Primarily made of cast bronze and carved ivory, Benin art was produced mainly for the court of the Oba of Benin – a divine ruler for whom the craftsmen produced a range of ceremonially significant objects. The full complexity of these works can be appreciated through the awareness and consideration of two complementary cultural perceptions of the art of Benin: the Western appreciation of them primarily as works of art, and their understanding in Benin as historical documents and as mnemonic devices to reconstruct history, or as ritual objects. This original significance is of great importance in Benin. In terms of specific imagery, leopards are identifying figures to represent the Oba of Benin as a competent and dominant force in their territory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uromi</span> City in Edo state, Nigeria

Uromi is a city located in north-eastern Esan, an ethnic group in Central Edo state, Nigeria. At various points in Uromi's history, the city and people have been known for their resilience and strength. The people of Uromi, led by Agba N'Ojie resisted the Benin Empire expansionism during the reign of Oba Ozolua. They were also at the forefront of the resistance of the British invasion of Esanland.

Igueben is a local government area of Edo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters are located in the town of Igueben, which has an area of 380 km2 (150 sq mi) and a population of 69,639 according to the 2006 census. The postal code is 310.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samuel Ogbemudia</span> Nigerian politician

Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia was a Nigerian army officer and politician. He was military Governor (1967–1975) of the Mid-West State, later renamed Bendel State, part of which in turn later became Edo State. After the return to democracy in 1999, he became a powerbroker in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In September 2009, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo state and others attended his 77th birthday celebration in Benin. He is noted as one of the founding fathers of the very prestigious University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ewu</span> Town in Edo State, Nigeria

Ewu is a Nigerian town situated in Esan Central Local Government Area in the Edo State of Nigeria. The city, an Esan tribe, lies on 200 feet in the plateau region of central Edo State, 100 kilometres north of Benin City, the capital of Edo State, Nigeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akenzua II</span> Oba of Benin (1933–1978)

Ọmọ n'Ọba n'Ẹdo Uku Akpọlọkpọlọ, Akenzua II was the thirty-seventh Oba of Benin reigning from 1933 until his death in 1978.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Igue festival</span> Festival in Nigeria by the Binis

Igue festival is a celebration with its origin in the Benin Kingdom of Edo State, southern Nigeria. One tradition states that the festival date coincided with the marriage of Ewuare to a wife named Ewere. Celebrated between Christmas and New Year, the festival includes the Oba's blessing of the land and his people.The Igue festival also honors the memory of former Obas and spans a period of seven days. During the Igue ritual season, the Oba is prohibited from being in the presence of any non-native person.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benin court and ceremonial art</span>

Court and ceremonial art makes up a vital corpus of Benin art. Private and public ceremonies mark many of the important moments in Benin’s yearly calendar. In the past, an elaborate series of rites were performed throughout the year to secure otherworldly support for the kingdom’s well-being and to celebrate decisive events in its history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Esanland</span> Cultural Region in Nigeria

Esanland, otherwise known as Esan Nation, is a cultural region located in Edo State, Nigeria. It is composed of five Local Government Areas in Edo State. Esanland lies west of the banks of the Niger River. It is bordered by Kogi State, Delta State, Edo South Senatorial District, and Edo North Senatorial District. Esanland covers about 2,800 square kilometers and is home to over half a million people. The Esan people and culture of Esanland are generally homogenous.

Unuamen also spelt Unuame is an ancient village community by Ovia river in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Unuame is about 15 kilometres (9 mi) from Benin City and 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Benin Airport. Unuame is one of the ancestral homes of Oba Esigie's maternal grandfather and home town to some group of Binis. The people of Unuame have remained loyal to the monarch since the establishment of the ancient Kingdom of Benin. Being a part of the Kingdom of Benin, Unuame is at the heart of the tropical rainforest in the southern part of Nigeria, way to the west of the delta of the Niger River and inland from the coast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ewuare II</span> Oba of Benin (2016–present)

Ewuare II was crowned the Oba of Benin on 20 October 2016. He is the 40th Oba, a title created for the Head of State (Emperor) of the Benin Empire at some time between 1180 and 1300.

Agba N'Ojieof Uromi, originally called Agba, was the ruler of the Esan people from 1483 AD until 1507 AD. Considered an important Onojie in the history of the Esan people, he was instrumental in maintaining the independence of Esanland from the old Benin Empire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holy Aruosa Cathedral</span> Church in Benin City, Edo, Nigeria

Holy Aruosa Cathedral is a church located at Akpakpava in Benin City, Edo, Nigeria. It was founded by Oba Esigie and Portuguese missionaries. It is commonly called the church of the Oba of Benin and the elderly Binis. It is one of the oldest churches in Nigeria, which can be traced back to the coming of Portuguese. Just as every Abrahamic religion has a sacred book, Holy Arousa Catheral's holy book is known as the Book of Holy Aruosa which was written by the "wise men with dictate, teachings, and sayings of the ancient Benin kingdom."

https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/primates-in-flooded-habitats/diversity-and-conservation-of-primates-in-the-flooded-forests-of-southern-nigeria/476B9196B6049DA25A8EA18647FB42C0Village+in+Edo+State,+NigeriaGelegelehttps://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/primates-in-flooded-habitats/diversity-and-conservation-of-primates-in-the-flooded-forests-of-southern-nigeria/476B9196B6049DA25A8EA18647FB42C0 is a village located in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The village is situated on the left flank of the Ovia (Osse) River and it shares boundary with Ughoton village. Gelegele is notable for its sea port on the river which was opened by Oba Ewuare the Great prior to the European exploration of the Great Benin Kingdom.

The Oba Market is an open-air market situated at Ring Road in the center of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Its roots date back to the 15th century, making it one of the most historically significant markets in the region.

References

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