Iconographies

1 annotations

Ahianmwẹ

Birds

See Ahianmwẹ page

A variety of different kinds of Ahianmwẹ (birds) were depicted by artists from the palace guilds on royal artefacts over the centuries. The precise identification and interpretation of these birds, and the meanings attributed to them, vary. Some of the most commonly depicted are the Akala (white-backed vulture), Oɛɣohɔ (vulturine fish eagle), and Esughusughu (owl).

The Akala is usually depicted on top of Osogan, potent staffs kept by priests for the worship of Osun. Its ewawa (beak) is associated with the azen (witches), and the Akala is associated with “death, abandonment, morbidity, and spoils” ( ). The Oɛɣohɔ is known as the “king of the day birds,” and its feathers are often worn by chiefs in their headwear as symbols of respected old age and proper chieftaincy ( ).

1 annotation

Provenance

2 events

Production

unknown to February 22, 1897 (day approximate)

The object was produced by Unknown member(s) of the Igun-Ẹrọnmwọn guild in Benin City.

Unknown

1946 (approximate) to 1980

The object is known to have come into contact with the Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ọba of Benin & National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria, in Benin City.

Institution data

Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ọba of Benin & National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria

The data was transferred directly by the institution and digitized by Digital Benin in collaboration with the NCMM

Last updated: 2023-11-30

Languages: english, bini; edo

Institution field	Value
Catalog Number object id	80B:R:39
Material material	Bronze
Dimension H (cm) dimensions	3
Dimension W (cm) dimensions	2
Dimension L (cm) dimensions	13
Description description	Ugbẹkun (girdle) is the literal translation for ‘objects which are tied around the waist’. Ugue-egen is another word which can be used to describe a girdle-like object. These may be worn by the Ọba or chiefs either underneath or on top of clothing. When underneath, medicine or potent charms may be added for protection. When worn over clothing, pendant masks may be hung from the girdle. Included in the institution data is a leather object called Akpalode, which is a girdle produced by Isekpokin, the royal leather workers, and is infused with herbs and medicine worn by warriors for protection. Also included in the institution data is an object known as Ukugbohamwen, which is worn by the Ọba and the great chiefs during ceremonies. When Ukugbohamwen is worn the Ọba does not feel hunger, and it is believed that he could wear it for two weeks without food or drink. Ugbẹkun could be made from a range of materials, from animal skins to textiles to beads. Some feature a rectangular section made from textile or beads at the front, similar to an apron. A rare example is cast in brass and is known as ‘Enowe’s girdle’. Enowe was a giant Edo warrior and wore this girdle along with vessels of medicine from Osun to protect him in battle (Peek, 2021, p.175).
Object count object count	3
Associated Guild producer	Igun Ẹrọnmwọn
Production Place production place	Benin City
URL weblink	https://digitalbenin.org/catalogue/36_80BR39
Production Technique production technique	Casting
P.N. object id
Diameter dimensions
Title designation
Date Made date made
Inscription inscriptions
fileNames	80BR39_1.jpg, 80BR39_3.jpg, 80BR39_2.jpg

Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Ọba of Benin & National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Nigeria

The data was transferred directly from the institution and transcribed by the Digital Benin from Catalogue Cards.

Last updated: 2021-01-15

Language: english

Institution field	Value
Catalogue No object id	80B:R:39
Description description	A fragment of waist bangle, with a bird design at the dorsal anterior part which is attached to the main body. There is also a small horn-like object attached to the main body at the dosal potion. There is a net design in the main body in between the bird and the horn-like dosal attached to the objects. There are lines running a design at the handle.
Material material	Bronze
Diam dimensions
Dimension H (cm) dimensions	13
Dimension L (cm) dimensions
Dimension W (cm) dimensions
Weight KG weight	0.3
Classification object type	A Fragment of Waist Bangle "Bronze"
Patina and colour colour	Greenish Brown
Method of Manufacture production technique	Casting
State production place	Bendel
Later Notes provenance
Vendor provenance
Ethnic Group ethnic attribution	Edo
Division department and institution
Condition Incl condition	Fair
Photo Number images	2:23:12
P.N.
Price
Signature of Cataloguer	Pat Ugowe

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