'Benin Ivory Mask'

Title: Benin Ivory Mask.

Location: Dulwich, London.

Tag: okumephuna, Dulwich, benin.

Copyright: Okumephuna Chukwunwikezarramu.

Story: This is a picture of a carving I saw in my uncle’s house and it bears close semblance to the Ivory Mask associated with the ancient Benin Kingdom of Nigeria. It is in fact a wooden version of it. The original which probably dates as far back as 16th century is now in the British Museum. It formed part of artefacts looted by the colonial government when they ransacked the palace of Oba Ovonranwem Nogbaisi in late 1800s. The palace of Benin is the centre of ritual activity focused on the well-being and prosperity of the Edo people. Each year the Oba (king) of Benin performs rituals in which he honours his royal ancestors to enhance the good fortunes of his people. One important ceremony, Igue Festival, centres on the Oba's mystical powers, which are then demonstrated in a subsequent ritual, Emobo, whose main purpose is for the Oba to drive away any evil forces. The Oba sits in a red pavilion, red being a 'threatening' colour to help force away evil. Later he dances with an ivory gong, striking it to repel malevolent forces. This type of mask was worn by the Oba, probably around his neck, during the Emobo ceremony. The pendant is said to represent Queen Mother Idia, mother of Oba Esigie who ruled in the sixteenth century. The top of the pendant is decorated with heads representing the Portuguese, symbolizing Benin's alliance with and control over Europeans. The Portuguese continued to appear in Benin art long after they had disappeared from Benin itself. In actual fact the first contact with Europeans in Nigeria was recorded in 1500s and that was the Portuguese contact with the Benin Kingdom. To understand this more read this drama ‘Ovonranwem Nogbaisi’ by Ola Rotimi.