Ẹkpẹtin describes boxes of different shapes and sizes used as storage for different articles. They were usually carved from wood by members of the Igbesamwan and designed with different relief patterns of animal and human figures. Some may also have been used as stools.

Ẹkpẹtin are one of two types of boxes identified here – the second are the cylindrical 

. Ẹkpẹtin is used more generally to describe other kinds of boxes in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials. Although some may have been utilitarian, a number had ceremonial and ritual significance, indicated by their highly decorated exteriors.

Ẹkpẹtin

Boxes in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials are part of the arts of the Benin royal court. Although some may have been utilitarian, a number had ceremonial and ritual significance. Most are identified as Ẹkpẹtin in Edo. The depiction of certain kinds, such as the distinctive cylindrical lidded Ẹkpoki, which are seen being held by members of the royal court on relief plaques and altar tableaux, illustrate the ceremonial importance of the boxes made by the leather workers guild, which were sometimes covered with decorated brass sheeting. According to Ben-Amos (1995, p.108

), these boxes would be used to bring gifts to the Ọba towards the end of the Ague festival. Rectangular carved wooden boxes, carved antelope-head boxes (sometimes embellished with brass sheeting), brass boxes in the form of animals and oval carved-ivory boxes are also within the spectrum of the arts of the royal court.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The British Museum’s archives are held in various locations across the institution. The items listed here aim to give an overview of the main locations where relevant archival and photographic material relating to objects from the Kingdom of Benin is housed. Key areas relevant for cultural objects from the Kingdom of Benin are: Corporate Archives; Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas archives; Department of Britain, Europe and Prehistory archives; and the Anthropology Library and Research Centre.

Website

Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas 

Online Catalogue

Library & Archive

British Museum

Internal Data (eng)

Kimmis, H. 

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