Since the Oba of Benin is trending, we decided to bring you some piece of history from the ancient kingdom of Benin with some interesting facts about the Oba.

Commemorative Altar Head, Bronze, 16th Century, 28 x 20 x 16cm. @shyllonmuseum

Enjoy the Thread.

The Commemorative Altar Heads were commissioned by the new Oba whose first and noblest duty, as the first son and successor, is to erect an altar at the palace in honor of his deceased father, a symbolic act that stamps his authority as the heir to the throne of the kingdom.

Cast in Bronze, the piece mirrors the coral-bead head dress and necklaces worn by the Oba and also highlights the technical mastery and craft peculiar to the artists of the royal court over the ages.

In ancient oral traditions of the Benin People, the Head ( called Uhunmwun) is very significant as it stands for life and one’s worldly bearing, for the ability to direct one’s actions in the paths of his destiny. There is a belief that one’s head leads one through life.

They also believe the Head is a seat of thought; reasoning power and will or character; of seeing, speaking and hearing. It allows for personal responsibility for one’s actions.

This is why the Oba’s Head, till today, is considered the seat of wisdom and will by the people. The wellbeing and prosperity of the people lies on the Head of the Oba.

Sacrifices offered to the head in ancestral altars were for thanksgiving to the ancestors/gods for survival and prosperity and to ask for further support in prayers.