A Queen Idia documentary. #africahistory #Benin #invasion1897

Summary

This video explores the story of Queen Idia, the mother of Oba Esigie of the Benin Kingdom (now part of Nigeria), who ruled from 1504 to 1550. Queen Idia was a warrior and played a crucial role in securing her son’s kingship. She became the first Queen Mother, with significant political power, and led armies to victory. Her face, immortalized in a 16th-century ivory mask, has become an iconic African royal image, now housed in the British Museum. The video touches on the looting of Benin artifacts during the British invasion of 1897.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The artifact in question is a popular bronze sculpture, stolen from the ancient city of the Benin Kingdom (now part of Nigeria in West Africa).
• 🗡️ Approximately 10,000 artifacts were looted from the Benin Kingdom during the British invasion in 1897, many of which are held in museums around the world, particularly in Europe.
• 👑 The face on the popular bronze belongs to Queen Idia, the mother of Oba Esigie, who ruled the Benin Kingdom from 1504 to 1550.
• ⚔️ Queen Idia played a significant role in the rise and reign of her son, being described as a great warrior who fought both before and during his rule.
• 🛡️ She was instrumental in securing her son Esigie's title as Oba by raising an army to fight off his rival brother, Arhuan, who was defeated in battle.
• 💼 To honor Queen Idia’s contributions, Oba Esigie created a new position called 'Iyoba,' or 'Queen Mother,' giving her substantial political privileges.
• 🏠 As the Queen Mother, she had her own separate residence and staff, symbolizing her unique status and influence.
• 🌟 Queen Idia was known for her courage, intelligence, and spiritual powers, and was one of the first women in Benin to lead an army into battle and emerge victorious.
• 🏺 Her face was immortalized in a 16th-century ivory mask that is currently on display at the British Museum and is considered one of its most prized possessions.
• 🎭 Queen Idia's image has become a symbol of African royalty and cultural heritage, widely reproduced and used in various logos, and was even chosen as the emblem for Nigeria's FESTAC '77 cultural festival.

Q & A

What is the significance of the artifacts stolen from the Benin Kingdom?

The artifacts, including thousands of bronzes, were stolen from the Benin Kingdom during the British invasion in 1897. They hold immense historical and cultural value, representing the rich heritage of the Benin Kingdom in present-day Nigeria.

Who is the figure behind the famous bronze mask from Benin?

The figure behind the famous bronze mask is Queen Idia, the mother of Oba Esigie, who ruled Benin from 1504 to 1550.

What role did Queen Idia play in the Benin Kingdom?

Queen Idia played a crucial role as a great warrior and political figure. She helped her son Oba Esigie secure the throne by raising an army and defeating his brother Arua in battle.

What title and privileges did Queen Idia receive for her contributions?

Queen Idia was honored with the title 'Ioba,' meaning 'Queen Mother,' which granted her significant political privileges, including a separate residence and her own staff within the royal court.

How did Queen Idia become a wife of Oba Ozolua?

According to tradition, Queen Idia caught the eye of Oba Ozolua during one of the kingdom's dance performances, leading to her marriage to the king.

Why is Queen Idia considered a significant historical figure in Benin?

Queen Idia is regarded as one of the first women to lead an army to war and return victorious. She is remembered as a courageous and wise woman who overcame gender limitations and contributed greatly to her son's reign.

What is the importance of Queen Idia's ivory mask?

Queen Idia's ivory mask, carved in the 16th century, is an iconic piece of African art. It became internationally famous when Nigeria used it as the emblem for Festac 77, a major cultural festival.

Where can Queen Idia's ivory mask be found today?

Queen Idia's ivory mask is currently housed in the British Museum, where it is considered one of the most special objects in their collection.

Why is Queen Idia often compared to Egyptian queens like Nefertiti?

Queen Idia, like Egyptian queens such as Nefertiti, represents powerful and influential women in African history. Her face is one of the most widely recognized images of an African royal mother.

What event brought international recognition to Queen Idia's mask in 1977?

In 1977, Queen Idia's ivory mask gained international recognition when Nigeria used it as the emblem for the second Black Festival of Arts and Culture, also known as Festac 77, held in Lagos.