Ẹyo Otọ

The aim of this space is to display the historical objects with their correct Edo designation, which creates object groups that differ from the current vocabulary used and interpreted by institutions outside of Nigeria. The object groups are displayed visually, described in written language and vocalised in spoken language.

The data provided by the current holding institutions is grouped according to Edo designations. This space has been created to offer insight into the cultural relevance of these objects by including the Edo designations and introductory texts describing their use, function, production and art-historical interpretation. The visual description also makes it possible for users to access and observe the individual objects in an overview. Each drawing can be downloaded as a print-out colouring book or language card. This is foundational research into the naming of historical objects in their Edo context. Edo people celebrate laying the foundation of a new building with Ẹyo Otọ, and in this context it can be interpreted as a foundation to close gaps in current institution data, institutional knowledge production and even the exclusion of spoken, visual and written Edo language about these objects. Ẹyo Otọ is a foundation for further study of these historical objects and their Edo embeddedness. This digital research space is the beginning of a knowledge production involving the determined participation of Edo people in Nigeria and the diaspora.