DOCSLIB.ORG

Review of Heather Millar, the Kingdom of Benin in West Africa Dan Ben-Amos University of Pennsylvania, [email protected]

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Review of Heather Millar, the Kingdom of Benin in West Africa Dan Ben-Amos University of Pennsylvania, Dbamos@Sas.Upenn.Edu University of Pennsylvania ScholarlyCommons Department of Near Eastern Languages and Departmental Papers (NELC) Civilizations (NELC) 1997 Review of Heather Millar, The Kingdom of Benin in West Africa Dan Ben-Amos University of Pennsylvania, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://repository.upenn.edu/nelc_papers Part of the African History Commons, African Languages and Societies Commons, African Studies Commons, Anthropology Commons, Cultural History Commons, and the Near and Middle Eastern Studies Commons Recommended Citation (OVERRIDE) Ben-Amos, D. (1997). Review of Heather Millar, The Kingdom of Benin in West Africa. African Arts, 30(4), pp. 12-14, 88, 95-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3337548 This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. http://repository.upenn.edu/nelc_papers/116 For more information, please contact [email protected]. Review of Heather Millar, The Kingdom of Benin in West Africa Abstract Clio smiles, then weeps. A hundred years after its destruction, the empire of Benin enters the hall of fame of civilizations. Standing alongside old standards like Greece and Rome that have constituted the canon at least since the Renaissance, and next to some newcomers like the ancient Maya, the Aztec empire, China's Tang Dynasty, and India's Gupta Dynasty that have been ushered in by the spirit of multiculturalism, Benin—so far the sole representative of the African continent in the series "Cultures of the Past"— takes its position on the educational shelf that could shape the historical consciousness of future generations. Other West African kingdoms like Oyo, Dahomey, and Asante could have represented Africa in the global canon of political and cultural history (Forde & Kaberry 1967), but Benin, triumphant in her 1897 defeat, offers a more poignant testimony to the horrors of colonialism and a more striking monument to its demolition. Disciplines African History | African Languages and Societies | African Studies | Anthropology | Cultural History | Near and Middle Eastern Studies This review is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/nelc_papers/116 UCLA FOWLER MUSEUM OF CULTURAL HISTORY UCLA FOWLER MUSEUM OF CULTURAL HISTORY announces the publication of announces the publication of ISN'T S/HE A DOLL? PLAY AND RITUAL IN AFRICAN SCULPTURE (ROWNI N ACHIEVEMENTS This publication explores African dolls-from those made for children to play with to those used in ritual to promote fertility- AFRICAN ARTS OF DRESSING THE HEAD and the meaningful, powerful roles they play in everyday life. Essays by Elisabeth L. Cameron by Mary Jo Arnoldi and Christine Mullen Kreamer and Doran H. Ross "play" with Contributors also include: Elisabeth L. Cameron, Patricia Darish, ideas about dolls, expanding our David A. Binkley, Michael Oladejo Afolayan, and Betty Wass. American notions of dolls as Spectacular hats for special events and informal daily simply playthings. The catalog section presents dolls made from headwear adorn the human head, traditionally held by wood, clay, beads, gourds, wax, African cultures to be the seat of individual power, spirit .:~,~ : :~':, tar, or plastic. This variety of and intelligence. Crowning Achievements explores the dolls is used to promote fertility, cultural history and lore of African headwear and its vital mark coming-of-age initiations, role in reinforcing societal norms, announcing impor- symbolize marriages, and tant rituals, recalling historical events, and celebrating represent the dead, in addition an individual's achievement. Notions of status and ac- :~:~ ; to serving as playthings. cumulation in the Lega and Kuba societies are compared; 8.5"x11': 124 pages, 160 illustrations (137 in transatlantic connections between Africa and the Americas color). One map. Bibliography. Index. 1996. are also explored. Twelve pincipal hats are examined in depth. Softbound: $24.00* Ordering 1 copy, shipping within the 93/6" 10 /4", 192 pages, 225 illustrations, 143 in color. Bibliography. Hardbound: * $45 0* U.S.: add $4 (softcover), $6 (hardcover). $45.0" *CA residents add 8.25% sales tax. Softbound: $29.00 (+ $4.00 shipping/handling* = $33.00), Ordering 1 copy, shipping outside the Hardbound: $50.00 (+ $6.00 shipping/handling* = $56.00). UCLA U.S.: add $8 (softcover), $12 (hardcover), allow 10 weeks for delivery. For shipping on multiple copies, or for quantity FOWLER - ' . ' ' ' ' ' , , . A - *~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ .- * discounts, contact the Museum: phone (310)825-9672 MUSEUM or fax (310) 206-7007. Make checks or money orders OF 441 -1 1 V I I' * - I,I SI payable (in SU.S.) to: U.C. Regents. Mail orders to: UCLA CULTURAL Fowler Museum of Cultural History, Box 951549, Los Om, - eGArn-.miir _ [aIl HISTORY Angeles CA 90095-1549 USA. R 13_T 3 w testimony to the horrors of colonialism and a generations. Literature for children and adoles- more striking monument to its demolition. cents-textbooks in particular-could set new The victors who conquered Benin a hun- historical and literary horizons for the future. b o o k S dred years ago first spread its fame by trading Far from being marginal, it forges the idea of in its cultural goods. This has been the looter's history, delineates its boundaries, and selects way for ages. When the Romans destroyed the the facts, figures, and peoples that make up the THE KINGDOM OF BENIN Temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70, they paraded traditional heritage upon which the students of IN WEST AFRICA its seven-branched candlestick, the table of today will build up their cognitive world. It re- Heather Millar shewbread, and its trumpets and censers in identifies the centers and peripheries of politi- the streets of Rome, and then commemorated cal actions and cultural creativity and redefines Cultures of the Past. Marshall Cavendish, Tarry- their loot on the Arch of Titus, erected in A.D. the relationships between them. town, NY, 1997. 80 pp., 44 color photos, glossary, 81. None of the original objects are extant. The reshuffling of historical narratives that bibliography, index. $19.95 hardcover. About 1,800 years later, at the end of the nine- has engaged scholars in recent years and has Reviewed by Dan Ben-Amos teenth century, the British soldiers who ran- brought about the incorporation of the pasts of sacked Benin behaved less ceremonially but African, Native American, and Pacific peoples, Clio smiles, then weeps. A hundred years after with greater commercial acumen. Essentially to name but a few of the neglected populations, its destruction, the empire of Benin enters the they followed the same route, spreading the into the scope of global history, is finally filter- hall of fame of civilizations. Standing along- artworks throughout the major anthropologi- ing into high-school textbooks. It aims to shift side old standards like Greece and Rome that cal museums of the world, thereby placing the the focus from a West-centric to a universal per- have constituted the canon at least since the bronzecasters of Igun Street among world- ception of life on earth, and to articulate the his- Renaissance, and next to some newcomers like renowned artists. The enigmatic beauty of the tories of peoples whom the world forgot. the ancient Maya, the Aztec empire, China's Benin ivory hip-mask made by the artists of The present small and glossy volume could Tang Dynasty, and India's Gupta Dynasty thatthe Igbesanmwan guild has become as well have then fulfilled an important educational have been ushered in by the spirit of multicul- known as that of the Mona Lisa, and now it is function. Its general design aims at telling the turalism, Benin-so far the sole representative a symbol of African artistic attainments as well history of Benin from its mythical origins, of the African continent in the series "Cultures as a monument to their ravishment. through its days of glory, fall, and adjustment of the Past"-takes its position on the educa- The present book evidences the recognition to the current world order. Heather Millar tional shelf that could shape the historical con- of Benin as a major past power and a cultural divides her book into five chapters: "History," sciousness of future generations. Other West center within its region, establishing its position "Cultural History," "Belief System," "Belief and African kingdoms like Oyo, Dahomey, and in the canon of civilizations. Its appearance in Society," and finally "The Legacy of Benin." At Asante could have represented Africa in the an educational series designed for, and one first she unfolds the grand course of Benin his- global canon of political and cultural history hopes adopted by, middle and high schools in tory, telling about its political "Golden Age" (Forde & Kaberry 1967), but Benin, triumph- the English-speaking world could potentially and its tragic end at the mighty hand of British ing in her 1897 defeat, offers a more poignant affect the historical consciousness of the coming colonialism. Next she describes the art of brass 1212 african arts autumn african arts -autumn1997 1997 This content downloaded from 165.123.108.206 on Wed, 30 Aug 2017 15:00:54 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms I~~ ~ iL i 4_n: iKS^^^CiyCTff'I^sTfff ffiffJ^it^^2u^13 u t.s Ms L1 iL ai u "1 ji . 1 1i F_ and ivory that has made Benin famous, articu- errors that accumulate into a pattern of negli- lating some of its symbolic meanings and its gence. No doubt, some are due to a writing 04s4Ata 1Adde w%fi ^4 place in Edo social structure, rituals, and belief. style aimed at an adolescent readership, while 9.?. JxS- 1768 a4t4&wfr4 y'440o Millar devotes the third chapter to religion. She others reflect an attitude of exotic admiration Aew %o4 Jia %od 1 0027 e describes the personal guardian, Ehi, and dis- that is appropriate to the National Geographic. (212) 28S-405 / 28-4252 cusses the spiritual importance of the head and Some stem from innocent ignorance.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Benin Kingdom • Year 5
    BENIN KINGDOM REACH OUT YEAR 5 name: class: Knowledge Organiser • Benin Kingdom • Year 5 Vocabulary Oba A king, or chief. Timeline of Events Ogisos The first kings of Benin. Ogisos means 900 CE Lots of villages join together and make a “Rulers of the Sky”. kingdom known as Igodomigodo, ruled by Empire lots of countries or states, all ruled by the Ogiso. one monarch or single state. c. 900- A huge earthen moat was constructed Guild A group of people who all do the 1460 CE around the kingdom, stretching 16.000 km same job, usually a craft. long. Animism A religion widely followed in Benin. 1180 CE The Oba royal family take over from the Voodoo The belief that non-human objects Osigo, and begin to rule the kingdom. (or Vodun) have spirits or souls. They are treated like Gods. Cowrie shells A sea shell which Europeans used as 1440 CE Benin expands its territory under the rule of Oba Ewuare the Great. a kind of money to trade with African leaders. 1470 CE Oba Ewuare renames the kingdom as Civil war A war between people who live in the Edo, with it;s main city known as Ubinu (Benin in Portuguese). same country. Moat A long trench dug around an area to 1485 CE The Portuguese visit Edo and Ubinu. keep invaders out. 1514 CE Oba Esigie sets up trading links with the Colonisation When invaders take over control of a Portuguese, and other European visitors. country by force, and live among the 1700 CE A series of civil wars within Benin lead to people.
    [Show full text]
  • A Re-Assessment of Government and Political Institutions of Old Oyo Empire
    QUAESTUS MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL A RE-ASSESSMENT OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS OF OLD OYO EMPIRE Oluwaseun Samuel OSADOLA, Oluwafunke Adeola ADELEYE Abstract: Oyo Empire was the most politically organized entity founded by the Yoruba speaking people in present-day Nigeria. The empire was well organized, influential and powerful. At a time it controlled the politics and commerce of the area known today as Southwestern Nigeria. It, however, serves as a paradigm for other sub-ethnic groups of Yoruba derivation which were directly or indirectly influenced by the Empire before the coming of the white man. To however understand the basis for the political structure of the current Yorubaland, there is the need to examine the foundational structure from which they all took after the old Oyo Empire. This paper examines the various political structures that made up government and governance in the Yoruba nation under the political control of the old Oyo Empire before the coming of the Europeans and the establishment of colonial administration in the 1900s. It derives its data from both primary and secondary sources with a detailed contextual analysis. Keywords: Old Oyo Empire INTRODUCTION Pre-colonial systems in Nigeria witnessed a lot of alterations at the advent of the British colonial masters. Several traditional rulers tried to protect and preserve the political organisation of their kingdoms or empires but later gave up after much pressure and the threat from the colonial masters. Colonialism had a significant impact on every pre- colonial system in Nigeria, even until today.1 The entire Yoruba country has never been thoroughly organized into one complete government in a modern sense.
    [Show full text]
  • The New Encyclopedia of Benin
    Barbara Plankensteiner. Benin: Kings and Rituals. Gent: Snoeck, 2007. 535 pp. $85.00, cloth, ISBN 978-90-5349-626-8. Reviewed by Kate Ezra Published on H-AfrArts (December, 2008) Commissioned by Jean M. Borgatti (Clark Univeristy) The exhibition "Benin Kings and Rituals: This section of the catalog features 301 ob‐ Court Arts from Nigeria," organized by Barbara jects discussed in 205 entries by 19 authors. The Plankensteiner, is an extraordinary opportunity objects, all illustrated in full color, are drawn to see hundreds of masterworks of Benin art to‐ from twenty-five museums in Europe, the United gether in one place. It will be on view at the Art States, and Nigeria, and also include several Institute of Chicago, its only American venue, works privately owned by Oba Erediauwa and from July 10 to September 21, 2008. The colossal High Priest Osemwegie Ebohen of Benin City. exhibition catalog provides a permanent record Most of the international team of authors who of this remarkable exhibition and will soon be‐ wrote the catalog entries are renowned Benin come the essential reference work on Benin art, scholars; the others are Africanists who serve as culture, and history. The frst half of the book curators of collections that lent objects to the exhi‐ Benin Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria, bition. A full half of the entries were written by edited by Barbara Plankensteiner, consists of Barbara Blackmun (forty-nine) , Kathy Curnow twenty-two essays by a world-class roster of schol‐ (twenty-six), Paula Ben-Amos Girshick (fourteen), ars on a broad range of topics and themes related and Joseph Nevadomsky (thirteen).
    [Show full text]
  • The Rise of Islamic Resurgence in Somalia
    See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256191703 The Rise of Islamic Resurgence in Somalia Chapter · January 2013 DOI: 10.13140/2.1.4025.1843 CITATIONS READS 0 665 1 author: Valeria Saggiomo Università degli Studi di Napoli L'Orientale 11 PUBLICATIONS 9 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: decentralized cooperation and local governance in Senegal and Burkina Faso (2014) View project All content following this page was uploaded by Valeria Saggiomo on 08 March 2017. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. NOVA COLLECTANEA AFRICANA COLLANA DEL CENTRO DI STUDI AFRICANI IN SARDEGNA 2 Editor in Chief Bianca Maria Carcangiu Università degli Studi di Cagliari Editorial Board Catherine Coquer-Vidrovitch Université Paris Diderot — Paris 7, France Federico Cresti Università degli Studi di Catania, Italy Joan Haig University of Edinburgh, UK Habib Kazdaghli Université de Tunis-Manouba, Tunisia Nicola Melis Università di Cagliari, Italy Jean-Louis Triaud CEMAf — Université de Provence, France For information and contributions: http: // www.csas.it/ | [email protected] http: //affrica.org/ | [email protected] Work published with the contribution of: Provincia di Cagliari — Provincia de Casteddu, Ufficio di Presidenza Politics and Minorities in Africa Edited by Marisa Fois Alessandro Pes Contributors Gado Alzouma, Richard Goodridge, Henry Gyang Mang Mohamed Haji Ingiriis, Akin Iwilade, Giuseppe Maimone Alessia Melcangi, Sabelo J. Ndlovu--Gatsheni, Iwebunor Okwechime Yoon Jung Park, Mauro Piras, Valeria Saggiomo Elisabetta Spano, Bianca Maria Carcangiu Copyright © MMXIII ARACNE editrice S.r.l. www.aracneeditrice.it [email protected] via Raffaele Garofalo, 133/A–B 00173 Roma (06) 93781065 isbn 978–88–548–5700–1 No part of this book may be reproduced by print, photoprint, microfilm, microfiche, or any other means, without publisher’s authorization.
    [Show full text]
  • What Was Life Like in the Ancient Kingdom of Benin? Today’S Enquiry: Why Is It Important to Learn About Benin in School?
    History Our main enquiry question this term: What was life like in the Ancient Kingdom of Benin? Today’s enquiry: Why is it important to learn about Benin in school? Benin Where is Benin? Benin is a region in Nigeria, West Africa. Benin was once a civilisation of cities and towns, powerful Kings and a large empire which traded over long distances. The Benin Empire 900-1897 Benin began in the 900s when the Edo people settled in the rainforests of West Africa. By the 1400s they had created a wealthy kingdom with a powerful ruler, known as the Oba. As their kingdom expanded they built walls and moats around Benin City which showed incredible town planning and architecture. What do you think of Benin City? Benin craftsmen were skilful in Bronze and Ivory and had strong religious beliefs. During this time, West Africa invented the smelting (heating and melting) of copper and zinc ores and the casting of Bronze. What do you think that this might mean? Why might this be important? What might this invention allowed them to do? This allowed them to produced beautiful works of art, particularly bronze sculptures, which they are famous for. Watch this video to learn more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zpvckqt/articles/z84fvcw 7 Benin was the center of trade. Europeans tried to trade with Benin in the 15 and 16 century, especially for spices like black pepper. When the Europeans arrived 8 Benin’s society was so advanced in what they produced compared with Britain at the time.
    [Show full text]
  • Nigerian Girls and Women
    RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL AND CRIMINAL GROUPS IN TRAFFICKING OF NIGERIAN GIRLS AND WOMEN The case of shrines, "Ladies’club" and "cultist groups" This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL this publication are the sole responsibility of ECPAT France and its Partners and can in no way be taken AND CRIMINAL GROUPS to reflect the views of the European Union. IN TRAFFICKING OF NIGERIAN GIRLS AND WOMEN The case of shrines, "Ladies’clubs" and "cultist groups" March 2019 TABLE OF CONTENTS A - Shrines: historic places ............................................................................... 42 1) Places combining worship and judicial functions .................................. 42 2) The organization of space in places of worship ..................................... 43 3) The anchoring of symbols in the culture of the FOREWORD 8 Kingdom of Benin ........................................................................................... 45 B - Actors ............................................................................................................ 46 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 10 1) The Oba ....................................................................................................... 46 INTRODUCTION 13 2) The "priests" ................................................................................................ 48 3) Other religious actors assisting the Ohen ............................................... 49 SECTION 1 – Historical contextualization of contemporary forms
    [Show full text]
  • The Perception of Edo People on International and Irregular Migration
    THE PERCEPTION OF EDO PEOPLE ON INTERNATIONAL AND IRREGULAR MIGRATION BY EDO STATE TASK FORCE AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING (ETAHT) Supported by DFID funded Market Development Programme in the Niger Delta being implemented by Development Alternatives Incorporated. Lead Consultant: Professor (Mrs) K. A. Eghafona Department Of Sociology And Anthropology University Of Benin Observatory Researcher: Dr. Lugard Ibhafidon Sadoh Department Of Sociology And Anthropology University Of Benin Observatory Quality Control Team Lead: Okereke Chigozie Data analyst ETAHT Foreword: Professor (Mrs) Yinka Omorogbe Chairperson ETAHT March 2019 i List of Abbreviations and Acronyms AHT Anti-human Trafficking CDC Community Development Committee EUROPOL European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (formerly the European Police Office and Europol Drugs Unit) ETAHT Edo State Task Force Against Human Trafficking HT Human trafficking IOM International Organization for Migration LGA Local Government Area NAPTIP National Agency For Prohibition of Traffic In Persons & Other Related Matters NGO Non-Governmental Organization SEEDS (Edo) State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy TIP Trafficking in Persons UN United Nations UNODC United Nations Office on Drug and Crime USA United States of America ii Acknowledgements This perception study was carried out by the Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking (ETAHT) using the service of a consultant from the University of Benin Observatory within the framework of the project Counter Trafficking Initiative. We are particularly grateful to the chairperson of ETAHT and Attorney General of Edo State; Professor Mrs. Yinka Omorogbe for her support in actualizing this project. The effort of Mr. Chigozie Okereke and other staff of ETAHT who provided assistance towards the actualization of this task is immensely appreciated.
    [Show full text]
  • Kingdom of Benin Is Not the Same As 10 Colonisation When Invaders Take Over Control of a Benin
    KINGDOM OF Vocabulary 1 Oba A king or chief. 2 Ogisos The first kings of Benin. Ogisos means BENIN ‘Rulers of the Sky’. 3 Trade The exchanging of goods. Around the year 900 groups of Edo people started to cut down trees and make clearings in the forest. At first they lived in 4 Guild A group of people who all complete small family groups, but these groups gradually developed the same job (usually a craft). into a kingdom. The kingdom was called Igodomigodo. 5 Animism A religion widely followed in Benin. 6 Benin city The modern city located in Nigeria. Previously, it has been called Edo and Igodomigodo. 7 Cowrie shells A sea shell which Europeans used as a form of money to trade with African leaders. Benin Moat Benin Bronzes 8 Civil war A war between people who live in the same country. The Benin Moat was built The Benin Bronzes are a large around the boundaries of the group of metal plaques and 9 Moat A long trench dug around an area for kingdom as a defensive barrier sculptures (often made of brass). Common misconception protection to keep invaders out. to protect the people of the These works of art decorate the kingdom during times of war. royal palace of the Kingdom of The Kingdom of Benin is not the same as 10 Colonisation When invaders take over control of a Benin. the modern day country called Benin. country by force, and live among the people. Timeline of Events 900 AD 900—1460 1180 1700 1897 Benin Kingdom was first established A huge moat was constructed The Oba royal family take over from A series of civil wars within Benin Benin was destroyed by British and was ruled by the Ogiso.
    [Show full text]
  • BENIN-EKITI RELATION: an ONUS of SUBSTANTIATION Oluwaseun Samuel OSADOLA1, Michael EDIAGBONYA,2 Stephen Olayiwola SOETAN3
    GSJ: Volume 7, Issue 2, February 2019 ISSN 2320-9186 403 GSJ: Volume 7, Issue 2, February 2019, Online: ISSN 2320-9186 www.globalscientificjournal.com BENIN-EKITI RELATION: AN ONUS OF SUBSTANTIATION Oluwaseun Samuel OSADOLA1, Michael EDIAGBONYA,2 Stephen Olayiwola SOETAN3 Abstract Pre-colonial times are characterized by the smooth and frequent relationship among societies. The nature of this relationship was mostly on the cultural, commercial and political ground. This, however, encourages inter-marriages, borrowing of languages and other features which were most times dictated by the needs of the various societies involved. Benin imperialism in Ekiti land is an aspect of cultural integration between the people of Benin and Ekiti. Although the nature of the alliance is said to have always run against the tide, it is, however, important to notice the impact of Benin's extension of influence in Ekiti land which brought about cultural integration between the two communities. This paper examines the various reasons of convergence between the Benin culture in one hand and the Ekiti people on the other side. It thus argues that Benin‟s expansion on some parts of Ekiti land has brought about cultural relations between them and that the administrative control which Benin had over them in one time or the other has encouraged these cultural similarities. The work relies on both primary and secondary sources and also employed descriptive and analytic methods in analyzing relevant data for the research. Keywords: Benin, Ekiti, Relationship, Cultural Similarities, 1 Ph.D. Candidate, Department of History and International Studies, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, [email protected] 2 Ph.D.
    [Show full text]
  • Folktale Tradition of the Esan People and African Oral Literature
    “OKHA”: FOLKTALE TRADITION OF THE ESAN PEOPLE AND AFRICAN ORAL LITERATURE 1ST IN THE SERIES OF INAUGURAL LECTURES OF SAMUEL ADEGBOYEGA UNIVERSITY OGWA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA. BY PROFESSOR BRIDGET O. INEGBEBOH B.A. M.A. PH.D (ENGLISH AND LITERATURE) (BENIN) M.ED. (ADMIN.) (BENIN), LLB. A.A.U (EKPOMA), BL. (ABUJA) LLM. (BENIN) Professor of English and Literature Department of Languages Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa. Wednesday, 11th Day of May, 2016. PROFESSOR BRIDGET O. INEGBEBOH B.A. M.A. PH.D (ENGLISH AND LITERATURE) (BENIN) M.ED. (ADMIN.) (BENIN), LLB. A.A.U (EKPOMA), BL. (ABUJA) LLM. (BENIN) 2 “OKHA”: FOLKTALE TRADITION OF THE ESAN PEOPLE AND AFRICAN ORAL LITERATURE 1ST IN THE SERIES OF INAUGURAL LECTURES OF SAMUEL ADEGBOYEGA UNIVERSITY OGWA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA. BY BRIDGET OBIAOZOR INEGBEBOH B.A. M.A. PH.D (ENGLISH AND LITERATURE) (BENIN) M.ED. (ADMIN.) (BENIN), LLB. A.A.U (EKPOMA), BL. (ABUJA) LLM. (BENIN) Professor of English and Literature Department of Languages Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa. Wednesday, 11th Day of May, 2016. 3 “OKHA”: FOLKTALE TRADITION OF THE ESAN PEOPLE AND AFRICAN ORAL LITERATURE Copyright 2016. Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa All Rights Reserved No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa/Publishers. ISBN: Published in 2016 by: SAMUEL ADEGBOYEGA UNIVERSITY, OGWA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA. Printed by: 4 Vice-Chancellor, Chairman and members of the Governing Council of SAU, The Management of SAU, Distinguished Academia, My Lords Spiritual and Temporal, His Royal Majesties here present, All Chiefs present, Distinguished Guests, Representatives of the press and all Media Houses present, Staff and Students of Great SAU, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.
    [Show full text]
  • The Great Benin Empire
    THE GREAT BENIN EMPIRE Located in southern Nigeria, The Edo people formed the Great Benin empire and the nation flourished from 900 to 1897 A.D. During this era, Benin was ruled by two dynasties. The Ogisio dynasty ruled from 900 to 1170 AD. The Oyo Dynasty ruled from 1170 to 1897. The present day ruler is Oba Ewuare II N’ogidigan (shown right). Oba (Sacred King) Ewuare (1170-1897) expanded the Benin boundaries to include over 200 town and villages, and compelled those new subjects of the kingdom to pay tribute, in exchange for military protection (shown below). Benin City was the Capital of the Benin Empire. Historians record that the lay- out of Benin City was highly organized, and designed in the form of a horizontal and vertical grid. The grid was comprised of 30 broad and straight streets, extending across 20 miles in circumference. The wall surrounding the city extended alone extended for 10,000 miles. The scale of Benin City was so large that it was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records, 1974. The entry states, “The largest earthworks in the world carried out prior to the mechanical era, were the linear boundaries of the Benin Empire.” The Palace of the Oba (Sacred King), was the size of a city. European Explorer, Captain Richard Burton wrote that the palace alone could accommodate 15,000 people. The original Benin City was burned to the ground in 1897 by the British, because the Edo people told them not to enter their Benin city, during a sacred religious festival, but nonetheless the British attempted to do so.
    [Show full text]
  • Language and the Construction of Multiple Identities in the Nigerian Novel by Romanus Aboh
    Language and the construction of multiple identities in the Nigerian novel by Romanus Aboh TERMS of USE The African Humanities Program has made this electronic version of the book available on the NISC website for free download to use in research or private study. It may not be re- posted on book or other digital repositories that allow systematic sharing or download. For any commercial or other uses please contact the publishers, NISC (Pty) Ltd. Print copies of this book and other titles in the African Humanities Series are available through the African Books Collective. © African Humanities Program Dedication For my wife, Rita Ititim-Aboh About the Series The African Humanities Series is a partnership between the African Humanities Program (AHP) of the American Council of Learned Societies and academic publishers NISC (Pty) Ltd. The Series covers topics in African histories, languages, literatures, philosophies, politics and cultures. Submissions are solicited from Fellows of the AHP, which is administered by the American Council of Learned Societies and financially supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The purpose of the AHP is to encourage and enable the production of new knowledge by Africans in the five countries designated by the Carnegie Corporation: Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. AHP fellowships support one year’s work free from teaching and other responsibilities to allow the Fellow to complete the project proposed. Eligibility for the fellowship in the five countries is by domicile, not nationality. Book proposals are submitted to the AHP editorial board which manages the peer review process and selects manuscripts for publication by NISC.
    [Show full text]