A detailed analysis of Bini and Yoruba versions of the oral tradition, as well as of other sources has let to infer that the legendary founder of Benin Second (Oba) Dynasty, the Yoruba Prince Oranmiyan could be a historical figure and his... more
A detailed analysis of Bini and Yoruba versions of the oral tradition, as well as of other sources has let to infer that the legendary founder of Benin Second (Oba) Dynasty, the Yoruba Prince Oranmiyan could be a historical figure and his advent to Benin could happen about 1250. The hidden motives of his arrival and the course of events are reconstructed. It is shown that as a compatriot of the First (Ogiso) Dynasty rulers, Oranmiyan was to symbolize restoration of the pre-interregnum order. It is also revealed that traditional versions of his arrival (as a conqueror and by Benin titled chiefs’ invitation) do not contradict each other as far as Oranmiyan was invited by chiefs of the Bini origin but had to struggle against the chiefs representing autochthonous, pre-Bini population (Efa).
There is no need to go into details on the history of the former Kingdom of Benin (now a part of Nigeria) because it is well known to scholars (for its bibliography see, e.g. Fayioshe & Omobogie 1996). Therefore, a short abstract may... more
There is no need to go into details on the history of the former Kingdom of Benin (now a part of Nigeria) because it is well known to scholars (for its bibliography see, e.g. Fayioshe & Omobogie 1996). Therefore, a short abstract may suffice. The enclosed bibliography offers the interested reader an opportunity to look for more material in this context. No written records exist before the arrival of the Portuguese at the end of the 15th century and, therefore we have to rely on local oral traditions and the results of the few excavations carried out in Benin City. Written sources appeared in great numbers after European merchants, sailors, soldiers, missionaries and others began to visit Benin more or less frequently. However, it was only after the British invasion of Benin in 1897 that the astonished world became alert because of the fantastic works of art discovered in the capital of the doomed kingdom. Lots of researches were undertaken during the past decades to shed light on many aspects of Benin history. Nevertheless, the extension of the kingdom to the west, beyond Lagos, is still more or less a guess. This situation may change, because there is a report by the Danish merchant Ludewig Ferdinand Römer (1769) entitled “Nachrichten von der Küste Guinea” (“A Reliable Account of the Coast of Guinea”) which points to possible Benin influence or contacts with the Gold Coast (today´s Ghana). Part of this may even be interpreted as a conquest by Benin. At first, such ventures seem to be incredible but the report contains details which cannot be ignored and warrant closer examination. Besides, Römer left evidence on some aspects of Benin culture.
The general outlines of Benin City have not changed during past centuries until the beginning of the 1970s. The town is divided into two parts, i.e. to the north Orenokhua and to the south Ogbe. Orenokhua once housed the quarters of the... more
The general outlines of Benin City have not changed during past centuries until the beginning of the 1970s. The town is divided into two parts, i.e. to the north Orenokhua and to the south Ogbe. Orenokhua once housed the quarters of the ordinary citizens, craftsmen, various specialist groups and many chiefs. The palace quarter Ogbe, once separated from Orenokhua by a broad avenue, contained (and still contains) the royal palace, the harem, mausoleums for deceased rulers and the quarters of the once numerous court retainers with different functions who worked for the royal household. The town is completely surrounded by a wall- and ditch system made of earth. Joining this innermost system to the north-west is another similar rampart enclosing, however, a much larger area. It contains the residences of important chiefs and their retainers. Those residences could even be quite large villages. The reflections of both traditional and sosial system and philosophy of life of the Bini in their capital city's planning and layout are also traced in the present article.
Of all the West African societies, the Kingdom of Benin is the one most mentioned in contemporary European literature. Since the end of the 15th century, a great deal of material about Benin has been supplied by sailors, traders, etc.,... more
Of all the West African societies, the Kingdom of Benin is the one most mentioned in contemporary European literature. Since the end of the 15th century, a great deal of material about Benin has been supplied by sailors, traders, etc., returning to Europe. However, information on the Edo people before this date is very difficult to obtain, as there was no written record and the oral record is at best rather fragmentary. But the data the scholar still obtains (plus evidence of ethnography) give reasons to argue that the pre-dynastic and the 1st (Ogiso) dynasty periods were those of different stages of the formation of the Benin society in the consequent processes of the rise of independent agricultural extended families communities, the amalgamation of a part of them in chiefdoms and their growth. At last, the reign of the Ogisos represents the first, eventually unsuccessful attempt to establish effective simultaneously supra-communal and supra-chiefdomous authority. Only the next attempt, made by the Obas was a success and that is why their dynasty exists up till now. This paper deals with the earliest stage of that process: the rise of independent communities.
Yves Person (1925-1982), professeur d’histoire de l’Afrique moderne et contemporaine à l’université de Paris I, pionnier du recueil et de l’étude des traditions orales, fut l’un de ceux qui poussa le plus loin l’usage raisonné de... more
Yves Person (1925-1982), professeur d’histoire de l’Afrique moderne et contemporaine à l’université de Paris I, pionnier du recueil et de l’étude des traditions orales, fut l’un de ceux qui poussa le plus loin l’usage raisonné de l’oralité comme matériau pour l’histoire. Ses travaux, conduits essentiellement en Afrique de l’Ouest, illustrent les méthodes et précautions de l’enquête qui permet de recouvrer un passé étiré du royaume du Mali à la geste de Samori.
