Iy’Ọba
The title of Iy’Ọba is conferred on a woman by her son, the newly coronated Ọba, when he ascends the throne of his father. These figures can be identified by the Ukpo-Khokho, or ‘chicken beak’ hairstyle, that was worn by Iy’Ọba in the past.
Ọba Esigie was the first to confer the title of Iy’Ọba on his own mother, Iy’Ọba Idia, and thereafter each Ọba honoured their mothers with the title.
Most of these figures are carved in ivory, however the use of them is today unknown, as no objects of this kind were made or used in Benin City since 1897 (Kaplan in Plankensteiner, 2007 ). This illustrates the rupture in knowledge caused by the British invasion of 1897 and the ongoing trauma that continues until today.
Small cast brass figures of Iy’Ọba, most of which appear to have been broken off altar tableaux, are included here as well.
Educational Material
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