Ẹkpẹde
Description
Ẹkpede (crossbows) were introduced by the Portuguese, although the Edo people already had and used Uhambọ and Ifẹnmwẹ. Archery was introduced at the same time as the Ẹkpede. From around 1440 onwards, during the era of the warrior kings the Benin armies became increasingly specialised. The formation of dedicated units of archers or bowmen with extensive training was part of these developments... Read more
Ẹkpede (crossbows) were introduced by the Portuguese, although the Edo people already had and used Uhambọ and Ifẹnmwẹ. Archery was introduced at the same time as the Ẹkpede.
From around 1440 onwards, during the era of the warrior kings the Benin armies became increasingly specialised. The formation of dedicated units of archers or bowmen with extensive training was part of these developments (Osadolor, 2001, p.20). In addition to full-size Ẹkpede, miniature versions are also held in museum collections. These would have been made in iron by members of the Igun-Ematon and placed on altars to Ake, the deity of archery, or Ogun, the deity of war (Dark, 1973, p.54-55).
Edo designations
English designations
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Provenance names
4 objects
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