BENIN EMPIRE

[Black-Monstro]

Originally Posted by SouthernGirl

Wow...soo prewwttyyy...lol...like the beads so much...was the leopard the national animal of the kingdom? because depicted it so much in their art...

I got this qoute from nairaland


"Leopards are among the most emblematic symbols of the oba. Respected for their beauty, intelligence, and predatory skills, they are considered the oba’s kingly counterpart in the wilderness. Emphasizing this connection, when an oba dies it is said “the leopard has returned to his lair.” Prior to the 20th century, the oba kept semi-domesticated leopards in the palace to demonstrate his mastery over an opposing realm. This exquisite pair may have stood on the altar of a deceased oba or may have been placed on either side of the oba’s throne. In Benin, such ritual pairing evokes the importance of spiritual balance"

[Black-Monstro]

THE Ezomo was the generalissimo of the Benin Army. Many of the EZOMO’s have been re-known warriors they delight in warfare as a hungry man delights in his food. The EZOMO and ERO had important executives function but collectively played a smaller part in the day to day running of the state.

The Ezomo in certain respects stands apart from all other Benin chiefs and while not the highest in formal rank; he must in many ways be regarded as next to the Oba in PRESTIGE AND STATUS.

Third in formal order of precedence among the Uzamas the Ezomo had long been the wealthiest and must influential of them when Benin City was captured in1897. He lived in a semi-independent state in his own town of UZEBU just outside the inner wall of Benin City, Where he kept a court, which was smaller, and a simpler version of that of the Oba. He also ruled his subject without interference from above.

Apart from the Oba, Iyoba (Oba’s Mother) and the Edaiken (Oba’s heir) the Ezomo alone is permitted to wear a coronet of beads. His wives like the Oba’s are called Iloi and subject to similar restrictions and rules and roles of conduct. These and other more attributes of kingship set him apart from the other chiefs. On most important ceremonial occasions the EZOMO and Edaiken support the Oba’s arms on each side this group is said to be illustrated in many bronze cast.


The Iyase

Politically, the Iyase was ‘the highest title of the state,’ and had not been made hereditary in any family. He was the only chief that had the right to argue with or censure the Oba in public. In tradition, he was portrayed as the focus of opposition to the power of the Oba. The importance of his office is demonstrated by the fact that all state chiefs were inducted by the Iyase on the instructions of the Oba. The Iyase had the privilege of marrying the Oba’s eldest daughter. On the other hand, the Ezomo was third in the rank of the Uzama, and only in the nineteenth century did the military position of the Ezomo began to be equated with that of the Iyase.In restructuring the command structure of the army, several factors were involved: Personal, political, and strategic factors combined to influence the change, and possibly, avoid the concentration of military offices in one order of chiefs. The choice of the second-in -command to each of the chief war commander was also based on considerations that were political or personal rather than strategic. The aim was to maintain a balance between competing groups and individuals.
http://community.vanguardngr.com/for...ezomo-of-uzebu

[GAR3TH]

[Carver02]

The artwork here is truly beautiful and precious. I remember seeing some of the bronzes in the basement of the British Museam.

Originally Posted by Sokotocaliphate

[CENTER]
Box in the Shape of a Palace Building, 17th/18th century

That could have been the basis for a wonderful presidential palace.

[Naijaborn]

what????!!

[Carver02]

Originally Posted by Naijaborn

what????!!

It would be more culturally relevant than either the Aso Rock villa or the large presidential palace in the Three Arms Zone. It would also be more interesting artistically.

I would make it two and a half stories, with usuable and special spaces in the "attic," like in some parts of the Kremlin. Make the dimensions about 70x20 meters, for 1400 m2 on each floor. Add a colorful and beautiful facade. And place a 25-35 meter mini-tower in the center with a piece of artwork on the top, like the bird in the picture.

Gorgeous, unique, and Nigerian.

[•eze•]

Originally Posted by Carver02

It would be more culturally relevant than either the Aso Rock villa or the large presidential palace in the Three Arms Zone. It would also be more interesting artistically.

I would make it two and a half stories, with usuable and special spaces in the "attic," like in some parts of the Kremlin. Make the dimensions about 70x20 meters, for 1400 m2 on each floor. Add a colorful and beautiful facade. And place a 25-35 meter mini-tower in the center with a piece of artwork on the top, like the bird in the picture.

Gorgeous, unique, and Nigerian.

Nigerians don't have the taste.

[GAR3TH]

Part of the episode is about the Bini Empire

[vfG]

Originally Posted by Sokotocaliphate

Interresting ... there is a notion of perspective in this one !
The man in the middle is facing us, while the 2 others are differently oriented.