The Ivory

The Benin kingdom was an ancient African realm in the western part of Nigeria, and one that was free from British influence. Its people, the Edo, were fearless warriors who were rich in culture and tradition. This was a land enshrouded in mystery and legend, as all of its men and women possessed mysterious powers that had been passed unto them from their ancestors. Even the children would manifest abilities that defied science and which the human mind would struggle to comprehend. People would flock from neighbouring towns and villages just to witness the magical and spiritual might of the Edo people, who every year would host a festival known as Isie o kuo, meaning ‘battlefront’, during which they would re-enact battle scenes using real weapons. They would strike each other with machetes, shoot each other with arrows and spears, and fight with knives and swords – yet none of them were ever injured due to the magical charms they used for protection. This was just a tiny example of some of the great things the Edo were capable of doing. Their added bravery and ruthlessness in battle made them almost invincible, and they were greatly feared by those who knew them. Despite their power and reputation, they remained lovely, hospitable people who worked hard together to protect and expand their territories. Their efforts paid off, as Benin soon became one of the fastest growing and self-reliant kingdoms in West Africa. The Edo engaged in trade by bartering with the neighbouring villages over food and cash crops. Their land was rich with cocoa, rubber, ivory, and other valuable produce such as precious corals, which were not only outstandingly beautiful but were also believed to hold divine powers of protection. As they were gotten from the ocean, corals were believed to be from the sea goddess of fertility, Olokun, and they were worn by children as bracelets and necklaces in order to ward off sickness and premature death. Adults also wore corals as a means of protection, and used them for various charms. Palm kernel, the fruit of the palm tree, was another important produce in Benin. This tree was particularly useful; every part of it, including the roots, stems, branches, leaves, nuts, and even the maggots gotten from dead and rotting branches were of value. Its reddish nuts were used to produce cooking oil, soaps, pomade creams, and many other goods, all of which contributed to the great wealth now possessed by the kingdom. It was this wealth that had recently sparked an interest from the British.