Ẹkpoki
Description
Ẹkpoki were often made by the Isekpokin from leather, however the Igun Ẹronmwon made some from bronze. They would have been used to carry precious and important objects to the Ọba and, according to oral tradition, the heads of conquered enemies, soil taken from conquered lands and beads. Ẹkpoki may also have been used for the storage of the Ọba’s ceremonial clothes. Ẹkpoki and Ẹkpẹtin are both... Read more
Ẹkpoki were often made by the Isekpokin from leather, however the Igun Ẹronmwon made some from bronze. They would have been used to carry precious and important objects to the Ọba and, according to oral tradition, the heads of conquered enemies, soil taken from conquered lands and beads. Ẹkpoki may also have been used for the storage of the Ọba’s ceremonial clothes.
Ẹkpoki and Ẹkpẹtin are both terms for objects described as boxes. However, cylindrical Ẹkpoki have a ritual importance. They are frequently seen depicted on relief plaques and altar tableaus being held by members of the royal court. These depictions illustrate the ceremonial importance of Ẹkpoki. Ẹkpoki were made by the Isekpokin and sometimes covered with decorated brass sheeting. According to Ben-Amos (1995, p.108), these boxes would be used to bring gifts to the Ọba toward the end of the Ague festival.
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6 objects
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