New
New
Year 6
The Oba of Benin
I can describe the role of the Oba and how this is represented in some of the Benin Bronzes.
New
New
Year 6
The Oba of Benin
I can describe the role of the Oba and how this is represented in some of the Benin Bronzes.
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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.
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
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.
Contrast the way in which the king of England is approached and regarded to the way in which the Oba was approached and regarded.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
True or false? The Edo were the indigenous inhabitants of the Kingdom of Benin.
False
Q2.
Where was Benin City located?
by the coast
on a mountain
Q3.
Complete the sentence. Surrounding Benin City were huge, strong to protect the city from threats and invasion.
Q4.
Which of the following was not a feature of Benin City?
high walls
suburbs
street lamps
Q5.
Who would have lived and worked inside the city walls?
farmers
Q6.
Approximately how many villages made up the suburbs, outside of the city walls?
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
When did the Kingdom of Benin begin?
10th Century
12th Century
13th Century
Q2.
What was the name given to the rulers of the Edo people living in the Kingdom of Benin?
Pharaohs
Emperors
Sultans
Q3.
What were the few female rulers who held significant influence and power known as?
Oba's Advisors
Chief Matrons
Ladies in Waiting
Q4.
Which statements accurately explain why Oba Ewuare was considered to be a great leader?
He allowed his mother to rule in his place.
Q5.
Complete the sentence. The Oba was regarded as , as it was thought that he had a connection to the gods.
Q6.
What were some of the important activities that the Obas would do in their palace?
oversee trading goods
study and write manuscripts
Additional material
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