What was life like in Benin? | History for Year 6 PDF Download

What was the kingdom of Benin like?

• The Kingdom of Benin was a diverse and expansive society, with some inhabitants living in villages and small towns, though the majority resided and worked in Benin City. 
• The central figure in the kingdom was the king, known as the Oba, who held supreme authority. 
• The royal court, home to hundreds of men and women, served the Oba and his family. 
• The people of Benin engaged in trade with European merchants and other African kingdoms, using a barter system instead of currency.

What was life like for the Obas?

• The people of Benin revered their Oba as a divine figure, and he lived in isolation from ordinary citizens within the royal court in Benin City. 
• The Oba conducted meetings with his officials, led religious ceremonies, and enjoyed leisure time with his family in the palace. 
• As the owner of all land in the kingdom, he issued commands to his chiefs on governance and decided when to wage war, sometimes leading his troops into battle. 
• Everyone showed profound respect for the Oba, approaching him on their knees, and no one could look at him without his permission.
  

Who else was important at court?

• Palace chiefs, who came from wealthy families and inherited their roles, managed the royal court, oversaw craft workers, and negotiated with European traders. 
• Town chiefs, selected for their leadership skills, governed the general population. 
• Another key figure was the Oba’s mother, notably Queen Idia, the first great Queen Mother or 'Iyoba.' She played a crucial role in helping her son, Oba Esigie, defeat enemies and secure control of the River Niger, earning her own palace. 
• The Queen Mother was believed to possess magical powers.

What was life like for ordinary people?

• Benin was renowned for its skilled craft workers, organized into over 40 guilds in Benin City, such as ivory-carvers, each responsible for specific duties for the Oba. Guilds also included doctors, drummers, acrobats, and dancers. 
• Many people lived in rainforest villages, growing vegetables and constructing homes from mud, wood, and palm leaves. 
• Men throughout the kingdom served as soldiers for the Oba, fighting with swords, spears, crossbows, and, by the 1600s, guns. 
• Courageous boys trained as hunters from a young age, with the bravest becoming elephant hunters.

What kind of gods did people worship?

The people of Benin worshipped numerous gods and held ceremonies to honor them, some of which continue among the Edo people today. They believed the Obas were direct descendants of Osanobua, the creator god. Key gods in Edo legends included:

• Osanobua: Creator of the world.
• Olokun: God of waters and wealth.
• Obiemven: God of farming and childbirth.
• Ogiuwu: King of death.
• Ogun: God of iron and warriors.
• Osun: God of medicine and magic.