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Im thinking about drawing Oya with this headress of the Bronze Head of Queen Idia. To my knowledge and understanding, the Orishas were worshipped in the kingdom of Benin, so I think it might be interesting to use some elements found in the benin bronze in the Orishas designs.
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MWW Artwork of the Day (2/4/23) Kingdom of Benin (Nigeria) Memorial Head of a Queen Mother (Iyoba)(early 16th c.) Copper alloy statuette, 51 x 16 x 18 cm. Bode-Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
This is a commemorative bronze head from the medieval Kingdom of Benin in West Africa that probably represents Idia, mother of Oba Esigie, made during the early sixteenth century at the Benin court. The bronze head was made using the lost wax casting technique in the early sixteenth century. It is a very realistic representation of a young woman from the Benin court, who wears a high pointed ukpe-okhue crown of lattice-shaped red coral beads. The hairstyle is referred to as a "parrot's beak" hairstyle and was only allowed to be worn by the Iyoba and the major war chief. Queen Idia played an instrumental role in her son's successful military campaigns against neighboring tribes and factions. After her death, Oba Esigie ordered dedicatory heads of the queen to be made, to be placed in front of altars or in the Queen Mother's palace. The heads were designed to honor her military achievements and ceremonial power.
Idia - Mighty queen mother
Idia (late 15th century-16th century) was the first woman to receive the title of iyoba (“queen mother”) in the Kingdom of Benin ( present-day Nigeria).
Her son, the Oba (king) Esigie, went down in history as a great warrior, but his military successes owe much to his mother. After the death of king Ozolua, a civil war broke out between Esigie and his brother Arhuaran. Idia is remembered in oral tradition as the “only woman who went to war” since she raised an army and fought on her son’s side.
In addition to being a remarkable strategist, Idia possessed important medical knowledge. She knew the properties of all the plants in the Edo region. She was also said to have mystical powers that she used to influence court intrigues.
Esigie managed to unify the kingdom and to expand it, defeating its northern enemy. Since Idia played a critical part in his success, Esigie created the title of Iyoba and bestowed it upon her.
This position gave Idia considerable political power. She had her own palace and a whole retinue serving her. She sat on a throne and wore a sword of office, a privilege that was normally given to senior chiefs. Idia was treated like a chief playing a male role in a warrior society where women rarely assumed public roles. She heard cases and settle disputes in her districts and ordered the chiefs to investigate on her behalf. She could also commission works of art for her personal and devotional use.
As the first queen mother, she invented a curved, conical hairstyle, covered with coral beads, named “ukpe-okhue”. It was used by all the other Iyoba who came after her. After her death, a bronze effigy of her was put upon ancestral altars to commemorate her reign, a tradition that all the subsequent kings followed.
References:
“Idia, Queen mother”, in: Smith Bonnie G., The Oxford Encyclopedia of Women in World History, Volume 1
Kete Asante Molefi, The History of Africa: The Quest for Eternal Harmony
“Women Leaders in African History: Idia, First Queen Mother of Benin”r
aseantoo submitted:
Unknown Edo artist
Mask representing Queen Idia, mother of Oba Esigie
Nigeria (1500s)
Ivory, brass and copper wire
British Museum
[Source]
The British Museum notes:
The top of the hip mask is decorated with heads representing the Portuguese, symbolizing Benin’s alliance with and control over Europeans. The Portuguese continued to appear in Benin art long after they had disappeared from Benin itself.
Pendant Mask: Iyoba, 16th century: This ivory pendant mask pictured here is actually an image of Idia, the first queen mother. It was usually worn by the king during ceremonial occasions. The mask is hollowed out in the back, making it a perfect container for holding medicines that can protect the king while worn around his neck. The material used and the ornamental images carved around the face all represent the elegance and wealth of Benin royalty. The symbols of the Portuguese boast of the wealth of the Benin kingdom, and also of their good relations with foreigners and with ancestor spirits, because the Portuguese were thought to come from the world of the dead, as they crossed a body of water and had white skin. Also the symbols of the mudfish, which were thought to be very powerful and spiritual because of their ability to both swim in water and “walk” on land, decorate the mask, and associate the royalty of the Benin kingship and power of the queen mother with that of the spirit world. [email protected]
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QUEEN MOTHER IDIA! GREAT QUEEN MOTHER YOUR SON, KING [OBA] ESIGIE, MISSES YOU AND YOUR MASK IS MISSING.
Our consciousness and identity as Nigerians may be betrayed by the influx of western civilization but do we really know who we are? how about our rich and unharnessed aesthetics and out symbols of superiority amongst a community of nation. These images are a folktale whispering to be heard and adapted in the most contemporary realms.
Model Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi as a young Queen Mother Idia of Benin (16th century). Part of 'BLAST FROM THE PAST' spread, of STYLE MANIA magazine. Photo: Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Stylist Onidiri & Zubi.
I would like to see more historical recreations like this that were as close to accurate to this [it's not completely accurate], especially in something like a drama. Just thought it might interest some followers. I don't know about "these images are a folktale whispering to be heard and adapted in the most contemporary realms", but i can see its ultimate intention.
Pendant ivory mask of Queen Idia (Iyoba ne Esigie (meaning: Queenmother of Oba Esigie), court of Benin, 16th century The Benin Empire (1440–1897) was a pre-colonial African state in what are now modern Nigeria, Benin and Togo. It should not be confused with the modern-day country called Benin, formerly called Dahomey.
