Asa
Description
Asa (shields) were usually made from elephant or crocodile skin and were used by warriors as protection during battle. These objects were made by the Isekpokin guild. During the Ugie Irọn, the Asa is carried by the Edogun leading the army. Asa were an important part of the weaponry used by the Benin armies in hand-to-hand combat (Osadolor, 2001, p.102). Fewer than ten are identified in... Read more
Asa (shields) were usually made from elephant or crocodile skin and were used by warriors as protection during battle. These objects were made by the Isekpokin guild. During the Ugie Irọn, the Asa is carried by the Edogun leading the army.
Asa were an important part of the weaponry used by the Benin armies in hand-to-hand combat (Osadolor, 2001, p.102). Fewer than ten are identified in collections today, yet despite this small number they are in different shapes, sizes and materials. One specimen is made from wood and animal skins, meanwhile two others are made from woven palm leaves.
Edo designations
English designations
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13 objects
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