Oral History

Oral History

This is to tell our story as Benin people, the way we want it to be told. Benin people teach and learn about their history and culture through oral accounts passed down from one generation to another. These accounts have been preserved for centuries.
Interviews Contributors
Specific objects
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Object groups
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Edo iconographies
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Themes
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Ọba timeline
Ọba Ọrọnmiyan
c. 1170AD - 1200AD
Ọba Ẹwẹka I
c. 1200 - 1235AD
Ọba Uwakhuaihẹn
c. 1235 - 1243AD
Ọba Ehẹnmihẹn
c.1243 - 1255AD
Ọba Ẹwẹdo
c.1255 -1280AD
Ọba Oguọla
c.1280 -1295AD
Ọba Ẹdoni
c.1295 -1299AD
Ọba Udagbẹdo
c.1299 -1334AD
Ọba Ohẹn
C.1334 -1370AD
Ọba Ẹgbẹka
c,1370 -1397AD
Ọba Ọrọbiru
c.1397 -1430AD
Ọba Uwaifiokun
c.1430 -1440AD
Ọba Ẹwuare I
c.1440 -1473AD
Ọba Ẹzoti
c.1473AD
Ọba Olua
c.1475 -1480AD
Ọba Ọzọlua
c.1483 -1504
Ọba Ẹsigie
c.1504 -1550AD
Ọba Orhogbua
c.1550 -1578AD
Ọba Ehẹngbuda
c.1578 -1606AD
Ọba Ohuan
c.1606 -1641AD
Ọba Ahẹnzae
c.1641AD
Ọba Akẹnzae
c.1641 -1669AD
Ọba Akẹngbọi
c.1669 -1675AD
Ọba Ahẹnkpaye
c.1675 -1684AD
Ọba Akẹngbẹdo
c.1684 -1689AD
Ọba Ore-Oghene
c.1689 -1701AD
Ọba Ẹwuakpẹ
c.1701 -1712AD
Ọba Ozuere
c.1712 -1713AD
Ọba Akẹnzua I
c.1713 -1735AD
Ọba Eresonyẹn
c. 1735 -1750AD
Ọba Akẹngbuda
c. 1750 -1804AD
Ọba Ọbanosa
c.1804 -1816AD
Ọba Ogbẹbo
c.1816AD
Ọba Osẹmwẹndẹ
c.1816 -1848AD
Ọba Adọlọ
c. 1848 -1888AD
Ọba Ovonramwẹ
c. 1888 - 1914AD
Ọba Ẹwẹka II
c. 1914 -1933AD
Ọba Akẹnzua II
c. 1933 -1978AD
Ọba Erediauwa
1979 - 2016
Ọba Ẹwuare II
2016 till date
Olokun priest showing different types of beads
Chief Omoregie Osarenmwinodamwen Ehigiaduwa
Different Types of Beads and Their Uses
Chief Omo-Osagie Utetenegiabi
Ọba Ozolua N'Ibaromi
Chief Omo-Osagie Utetenegiabi
Ọba Ohen
Donald Igbinedion Odemwigie
Processes of Acquisition of Chieftaincy Titles in Benin Kingdom
The consequences of the Benin Invasion of 1897
Patrick Oronsaye
The consequences of the Benin Invasion of 1897
Igbesamwan Wood Carving: On Learning a Craft
John Osazeme Igbineweka
Igbesamwan Wood Carving: On Learning a Craft
A group of men interviewed about Functions of Ewua N'ogbelaka in Benin Kingdom
Chief Palmer Enabulele, Chief Ẹfesọba, Chief Aibuẹdẹfe, Chief Idoluwayi, the Enekighidi
Functions of Ewua N'ogbelaka in Benin Kingdom
Wood Carving: Significant Motifs and the Cowries
John Osazeme Igbineweka
Wood Carving: Significant Motifs and the Cowries
Igbesamwan Wood Carving Pt. 5: Pattern Making (Ekenekene)
John Osazeme Igbineweka
Igbesamwan Wood Carving Pt. 5: Patination Making Ekenekene
Igbesamwan Wood Carving Pt. 4: Forming an Oko
John Osazeme Igbineweka
Igbesamwan Wood Carving Pt. 4: Forming an Oko
Igbesamwan Wood Carving Pt. 3: Shaping the Object
John Osazeme Igbineweka
Igbesamwan Wood Carving Pt. 3: Shaping the Object
Igbesamwan Wood Carving Pt. 2
John Osazeme Igbineweka
Igbesamwan Wood Carving Pt. 2
Igbesamwan Wood Carving Pt. 1: Introduction
John Osazeme Igbineweka
Igbesamwan Wood Carving Pt. 1: Introduction
A Song Eulogizing Ọba Ẹwuare I
Jane Ugieresoyen Ekhator
A Song Eulogizing Ọba Ẹwuare I
A Song of Prayer for the Benin People and the Ọba
Jane Ugieresoyen Ekhator
A Song of Prayer for the Benin People and the Ọba
Iyare ogiemwan
Jane Ugieresoyen Ekhator
Iyare ogiemwan
Te Ọba Mwa Ghato
Roseline Ogbodu
Te Ọba Mwa Ghato
Ugho Song: A Eulogy for Emotan
Jane Ugieresoyen Ekhator
Ugho Song: A Eulogy for Emotan
Song for Oregbeni Guild (Elephant Hunters)
Pa Ohenhen Egbenayaloben
Song for Oregbeni Guild (Elephant Hunters)
The Story of Ekaladerhan
Sir Onaiwu Ambrose Ekhosuehi
The Story of Ekaladerhan
The story of Osawe (Ọba Ẹsigie) and Aruahan
Sir Onaiwu Ambrose Ekhosuehi
The story of Osawe (Ọba Ẹsigie) and Aruahan
A Song of Praise for Ogiso Odoligie
Sir Onaiwu Ambrose Ekhosuehi
A Song of Praise for Ogiso Odoligie
A History of Benin People and the Ogiso Monarchy
Sir Onaiwu Ambrose Ekhosuehi
A History of Benin People and the Ogiso Monarchy
Ọba Ọzolua and Ise of Utekon
Pa Iyekeoretinomwan Aikpitanyi
Ọba Ọzolua and Ise of Utekon
The Story of Edo (Benin) and Udo
Pa Iyekeoretinomwan Aikpitanyi
The Story of Edo (Benin) and Udo
What is Okuku?
Pa Iyekeoretinomwan Aikpitanyi
What is Okuku?
Oregbeni Guild (Elephant Hunters)
Pa Ohenhen Egbenayaloben
Oregbeni Guild (Elephant Hunters)
Igodomigodo
Roseline Ogbodu
Igodomigodo
Ukuse Emokpolo (The Emokpolo’s Gourd Rattle)
Chief Omo-Osagie Utetenegiabi
Ukuse Emokpolo (The Emokpolo’s Gourd Rattle)
The Story of Princess Adesuwa and Ogie Oboro (Ubulu-Ukwu)
Chief Omo-Osagie Utetenegiabi
The Story of Princess Adesuwa and Ogie Oboro (Ubulu-Ukwu)
Akhe Ame: Water Storage Clay Pot
Esohe Iriemwen
Akhe Ame: Water Storage Clay Pot
Types of Pots Produced in Benin Kingdom
Esohe Iriemwen
Types of Pots Produced in Benin Kingdom
An Introduction to Pottery Making in Benin Kingdom
Esohe Iriemwen
An Introduction to Pottery Making in Benin Kingdom
Bird of Prophecy, the Royal Stool and the Horse Rider
Theophilus Umogbai
Bird of Prophecy, the Royal Stool and the Horse Rider
Ivory Carving by Ine n’Igbesamwan (Igbesamwan Guild) Pt. 3: Process Description
John Osazeme Igbineweka
Ivory Carving by Ine n’Igbesamwan (Igbesamwan Guild) Pt. 3: Process Description
Ivory Carving by Ine n’Igbesamwan (Igbesamwan Guild) Pt. 2: Patterns in Benin Carving
John Osazeme Igbineweka
Ivory Carving by Ine n’Igbesamwan (Igbesamwan Guild) Pt. 2: Patterns in Benin Carving
Ivory Carving by Ine n’Igbesamwan (Igbesamwan Guild) Pt. 1
John Osazeme Igbineweka
Ivory Carving by Ine n’Igbesamwan (Igbesamwan Guild) Pt. 1
Uhan N’Ogie Esan
Roseline Ogbodu
Uhan N’Ogie Esan
Queen Idia: The First Iy’Ọba of Benin Kingdom
Dr. Josephine Ebiuwa Abbe
Queen Idia: The First Iy’Ọba of Benin Kingdom
Songs about Queen Idia
Dr. Josephine Ebiuwa Abbe
Songs about Queen Idia
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 9: Bronze Casting
Monday Aigbe and Ewaen Aigbe
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 9: Bronze Casting
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 8: Molten Brass/Bronze
Monday Aigbe and Ewaen Aigbe
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 8: Molten Brass/Bronze
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 7: Digging a Pit for Bronze Casting
Monday Aigbe and Ewaen Aigbe
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 7: Digging a Pit for Bronze Casting
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 6: The Making of an Odudua Mask
Monday Aigbe and Ewaen Aigbe
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 6: The Making of an Odudua Mask
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 5: Bronze Mould in Furnace
Monday Aigbe and Ewaen Aigbe
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 5: Bronze Mould in Furnace
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 4: Making of an Osun Bronze Figure
Monday Aigbe and Ewaen Aigbe
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 4: Making of an Osun Bronze Figure
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 3: Wrapping the Wax Designs with Red Sand
Monday Aigbe and Ewaen Aigbe
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 3: Wrapping the Wax Designs with Red Sand
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 2: Modelling the Core out of Wax
Monday Aigbe and Ewaen Aigbe
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 2: Modelling the Core out of Wax
Ovonramwẹn n’Ọgbaisi
Roseline Ogbodu
Ovonramwẹn n’Ọgbaisi
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 1
Monday Aigbe and Ewaen Aigbe
Bronze Casting at Aigbe Foundry Pt. 1
Some Prominent Iyasẹs since 1914
Chief Sam Odighi Udinyiwe Igbe
Some Prominent Iyasẹs since 1914
The Story of Iyasẹ Ẹkpẹnẹde (Iyasẹ Ẹkpẹnẹde Altar)
Chief Sam Odighi Udinyiwe Igbe
The Story of Iyasẹ Ẹkpẹnẹde (Iyasẹ Ẹkpẹnẹde Altar)
A Song for Iyase Ẹkpẹnẹde
Chief Sam Odighi Udinyiwe Igbe
A Song for Iyase Ẹkpẹnẹde
Origin of Iyasẹ of Benin
Chief Sam Odighi Udinyiwe Igbe
Origin of Iyasẹ of Benin
Some Prominent Ogiso Who Ruled Benin Kingdom
Chief Osayomwanbo Osemwengie Ero
Some Prominent Ogiso Who Ruled Benin Kingdom
The Origin of the Ogiso Dynasty
Chief Osayomwanbo Osemwengie Ero
The Origin of the Ogiso Dynasty
Origin of Benin
Chief Osayomwanbo Osemwengie Ero
Origin of Benin
The Iy’Ọba of Uselu
Chief Eguaogie Evbuomwan, Ogaimueyen Evbuomwan
The Iy’Ọba of Uselu
Bronze Casting: Plaque for the Benin exhibition at the MARKK
Phil Otaniyen Omadamwen Foundry
Bronze Casting: Plaque for the Benin exhibition at the MARKK
E te a gha ye mwa re
Roseline Ogbodu
E te a gha ye mwa re
The origin of Umẹlu town
Bernard Oviamwonyi
The origin of Umẹlu town
The Ọba Palace and Some Notable Residents in Benin Kingdom
Aiko Obobaifo
The Ọba Palace and Some Notable Residents in Benin Kingdom
Chief’s Regalia in Benin Kingdom
Aiko Obobaifo
Chief’s Regalia in Benin Kingdom
Rooster Figure and the Ancestral Altars of Iy’Ọba n’Uselu
Patrick Oronsaye
Rooster Figure and the Ancestral Altars of Iy’Ọba n’Uselu
Osogan, the Osun Staff for Priests and Doctors
Patrick Oronsaye
Osogan, the Osun Staff for Priests and Doctors
The Bronze Snake Sculpture
Osaisonor Godfrey Ekhator-Obogie
The Bronze Snake Sculpture
About the Osun Staff
Osaisonor Godfrey Ekhator-Obogie
About the Osun Staff
About Manillas
Osaisonor Godfrey Ekhator-Obogie
About Manillas
About Games in Benin
Osaisonor Godfrey Ekhator-Obogie
About Games in Benin
About Execution and Human Sacrifice
Osaisonor Godfrey Ekhator-Obogie
About Execution and Human Sacrifice
Egbo: Song of Praise for Ọba Ewuare
Roseline Ogbodu
Egbo: Song of Praise for Ọba Ewuare
About the Ada Sword
Osaisonor Godfrey Ekhator-Obogie
About the Ada Sword
About the Sacrificial Gourd
Osaisonor Godfrey Ekhator-Obogie
About the Sacrificial Gourd
Ukomwen Ceremony: Final ritual of burial rites In Benin Kingdom and the significance of Ukhure and materials for carving of Ukhure
Osaisonor Godfrey Ekhator-Obogie
Ukomwen Ceremony: Final ritual of burial rites In Benin Kingdom and the significance of Ukhure and materials for carving of Ukhure
Installation Of Ọdiọnwere Pa Enabulele at Iguehana Village
Pa Enabulele Otabor
Installation Of Ọdiọnwere Pa Enabulele at Iguehana Village
Obeh Okakuo on the sack of Benin in 1897
Obeh Okakuo
Obeh Okakuo on the sack of Benin in 1897
Evolution of the Benin Military System
Prof. Osarhieme Benson Osadolor
Evolution of the Benin Military System
Odibo System in Benin Military
Prof. Osarhieme Benson Osadolor
Odibo System in Benin Military
A History of Umẹlu Town
James Orebor
A History of Umẹlu Town
Benin Military Weapons
Prof. Osarhieme Benson Osadolor
Benin Military Weapons
British Invasion of Benin
Prof. Osarhieme Benson Osadolor
British Invasion of Benin
Significance of Benin Bronzes
Prof. Osarhieme Benson Osadolor
Significance of Benin Bronzes
Origin of Holy Aro Osa (Aruosa)
Igbinoghodua Edebiri
Origin of Holy Aro Osa (Aruosa)
Oba Akenzua II's Revival of Holy Aro Osa (Aruosa)
Igbinoghodua Edebiri
Ọba Akenzua II’s Revival of Holy Aro Osa (Aruosa)
Christianity in Benin Kingdom
Igbinoghodua Edebiri
Christianity in Benin Kingdom
Introduction to Bronze casting
Phil Otaniyen Omadamwen Foundry
Introduction to Bronze casting
Demonstrating How Designs are made Using Bee Wax
Phil Otaniyen Omadamwen Foundry
Demonstrating How Designs are made Using Bee Wax
Covering the Bee Wax Designs with Mud
Phil Otaniyen Omadamwen Foundry
Covering the Bee Wax Designs with Mud
Fixing Runner for the Bee Wax
Phil Otaniyen Omadamwen Foundry
Fixing Runner for the Bee Wax
Igbesamwan Wood Carving: Final Stage of the Production of an Oko
John Osazeme Igbineweka
Igbesamwan Wood Carving: Final Stage of the Production of an Oko
The Role of Portuguese in Trade and Politics of the Pre-Colonial Benin
Dr. Frank Ikponmwosa
The Role of Portuguese in Trade and Politics of the Pre-Colonial Benin
Reading the Benin Bronze Plaques by Patrick Oronsaye
Patrick Oronsaye
Reading the Benin Bronze Plaques by Patrick Oronsaye
A woman singing Songs as Documentation of Pre-Colonial Benin History
Jane Ugieresoyen Ekhator
Songs as Documentation of Pre-Colonial Benin History
Pre-Colonial Female Figures in Benin Kingdom
Iziengbe Pat Ebuka-Onuoha
Pre-Colonial Female Figures in Benin Kingdom
A picture of a group of people interviewed about "Esogban and Witchcraft in Benin Kingdom"
Iseherhien Idemudia-Aisien, Pa Victor Idemudia-Aisien, Iroghama Stella Uwagie-Ero (née Aisien), Osayemwenre Idemudia Aisien
Western Education and Religion in Colonial Benin
A woman talking about Pre-Colonial Succession Disputes and Civil Wars in Benin Kingdom
Dr. Enibokun Uzebu-Imarhiagbe
Pre-Colonial Succession Disputes and Civil Wars in Benin Kingdom
Dr. Aigheyisi talking Proverbs as Documentation of Historical Events in Pre-Colonial Benin
Dr. Eduviere Justin Aigheyisi
Proverbs as Documentation of Historical Events in Pre-Colonial Benin
Witchcraft, Sorcery and Osun Medicinal Powers in Benin Kingdom
Chief D. U. Edebiri
Witchcraft, Sorcery and Osun Medicinal Powers in Benin Kingdom
Origin of Olokun and the Different Types of Beads and Their Uses
Ohen-Olokun Aigbokhaevbo
Origin of Olokun and the Different Types of Beads and Their Uses
A man talking about Esogban and Witchcraft in Benin Kingdom
Robert Ize-Iyamu
Esogban and Witchcraft in Benin Kingdom