The Oba of Benin
I can describe the role of the Oba and how this is represented in some of the Benin Bronzes.
The Oba of Benin
I can describe the role of the Oba and how this is represented in some of the Benin Bronzes.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Kingdom of Benin began in the 1000s CE and reached its peak in the 1400s CE under the rule of Oba Ewuare.
- The Obas were the rulers of Benin, and the people of Benin believed that they were divine and showed them great respect.
- Anyone approaching the Oba did so on their knees and were not allowed to look at him without permission.
- The Oba lived in a palace where they would meet with their officials and lead religious ceremonies.
- The British Museum holds many brass wall plaques showing Obas with their attendants conducting these rituals.
Common misconception
All Obas of Benin were male.
While historically most Obas were, indeed, male, there were exceptions, and a few female rulers, known as "Queen Mothers," held significant influence and power. The Queen Mothers often acted as regents for young kings or played advisory roles.
Keywords
Oba - the Oba was the ruler of the Edo people living in the Kingdom of Benin
Divine - to be divine is to be a god or like a god
Plaques - a plaque is a flat piece of metal, stone or wood with writing or images on it that is fixed to a wall or surface
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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