This video is about the different types of games in the Benin kingdom. It states the purpose for which games are engaged in and explains that some games are for entertainment and others for creative skill development.

Transcription:

0:00–0:37 In Benin Kingdom there are different types of games. Of course, most of these games are played for leisure and also as a means of recreation. Board games are played for leisure, while wrestling and other types of games are recreational games. Of course, Benin Kingdom has an array of different types of board games. And for us, different games were used to develop wit, and intellect, as well as create in the individual the ability to manage and confront daily challenges.

0:51 - 0: Because when you engage in game playing, you’re able to take critical decisions at critical points in the process of playing these games.

0:51– 01:21 One of the important games in Benin Kingdom is the game that has been made a part of the coronation process of the Ọbas of Benin. The Ọba of Benin would have to go to Use to play the game called Akhue. And it is at that place that he chooses the name with which he will reign.

1:22— 02:10 There is also a particularly popular game in Benin Kingdom, and this happened around the sixteenth century, between Ọba Ẹsigie and Aruaran. And today we still play this game in Benin Kingdom. And in the board seats are taken, one for Ẹsigie, one for Aruaran. The game usually ends in favour of Ẹsigie because the historical account was that the rift between the two brothers ended in favour of Ẹsigie, who defeated Aruaran and became king.

02:11- 02:49- But over the years, the different types of games in the kingdom played by the Benin people have always been to train the willpower of the individual. Many of the very famous Benin warriors in pre-colonial times had to engage in the process of playing games with their warriors or other powerful chiefs to see that, when they won this game, they take this as a determinant that they would be successful or victorious in such wars. But if they should fail, they have to retrain themselves and have to prepare very well before they embark on such wars. So games in the Benin Kingdom were a very important aspect of the social life of the people.