Ẹroro
Ẹroro are an important part of the spiritual worship of Benin people. They are lined along the front of the ancestral altar and are used to summon the ancestors to join their descendants and partake in the ceremony.
In English, the term bell is used to describe the objects described as Ẹroro as well as Aza. Most bells are Ẹroro and are made from brass and less commonly ivory. The clappers can be made of brass/bronze, iron, bone or wood. Ẹroro, which are quadrangular in form, were also depicted in other objects, such as plaques and sculptures of individuals. These offer an insight into how such objects were used and indeed worn, usually as part of regalia worn by the Ọba, chiefs and warriors. For example, quadrangular bells are seen being worn around the necks of warriors on relief plaques.
Educational Material
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