Bronze Casting in Great Benin dates back to ancient times of our glorious history. The exact date it commenced is lost in the memory of our greatly cherished ancestors. It is, however, on record that we, as a Guild, received a Royal Charter from His Majesty, Oba Oguola (1280-1295).
This makes our Guild one of the oldest and certainly the most enduring in the world. Until His Majesty Oba Eweka II (1914-1933) gave his royal consent, Bronze Casting in Great Benin was, to all intents and purposes, a Royal Art.
They were basically used for decoration of the Royal Palaces and Ancestral Altars. They were also given out as gifts to visitors, especially Europeans (Missionaries, Merchants and Diplomats) who began to pay visits to Great Benin from the century. For the records, it was therefore inevitable and in fact imperative for us to obtain the royal approval of His Majesty, Oba Erediauwa, CFR (1979-Date) to stage a carnival.
BENIN CITY — HOME OF ARTS
Benin City is, indisputably, the home of arts. Evidence of this abounds everywhere — our traditional and peculiar architecture, costumes, dances, music and the works of art in bronze, ivory and wood. It should be a thing of pride for us as a people and members of The Benin Commonwealth (persons of Benin origin) found in parts of the east, west, north and south of Nigeria, Republics of Benin, Ghana, Togo, Brazil and parts of the Caribbeans, that, one of the most remarkable and timeless contributions to human civilization by Africans has been the world-renowned Benin art works. These works in bronze, wood and ivory are found in some of the most prestigious Museums and Galleries throughout the world. -
Since their massive exposure to the world from the 19th century, their artistry, beauty, sophisticated creativity and uniqueness have continued to dumbfound, excite and mesmerize the art world. This exposure came as a fallout of the Benin — British colonial war of 1897. The victorious British Forces looted over 5, 000 exquisite Benin art pieces from the Palace and homes of the nobles as part of their war booty. ‘This was premeditated. The colonial adventurers anticipated a tough and expensive war with the Benins.
To sway their home government, the adventurers assured that there were enough treasures (to be looted as war booties) to pay for the cost of the war. In fulfillment of this, several of these works were auctioned publicly in London in 1910 to offset the cost of the war. This marked the beginning of the dispersal of Great arts of Great Benin, which continues till date.
This action, in my opinion, is the ‘positive” but unintended effect of the war for Benin and her art treasures.
TOURISM POTENTIAL OF ANNUAL IGUN BRONZE CARNIVAL
The idea of Bronze Carnival was borne out of our strong desire to sustain, promote and uplift this very rich and enviable cultural heritage. With the help of God and the active and collaborative support of the various governments — Local, State, and Federal — their Agencies, businesses, organizations, men and women of goodwill, the carnival shall be an annual event. We are very optimistic that, with’ time, it shall become one of the most glamorous and greatest cultural and tourist events in the world.
This is our vision. It will, no doubt, go a long way to boost the largely untapped tourist industry in Nigeria. Tourism has the potential of becoming the leading light of the nation’s economy, if conscious and deliberate efforts are made to exploit it. We are of the belief that while crude oil and natural gas are found, for now, in few states of the federation, every part of Edo State, in particular, and every other State in Nigeria is richly endowed with tourist potentials. Tourism is the untapped “diamond mines” found in every part of Nigeria.
TRIBUTE TO OUR ANCESTORS
I would like to pay glowing tribute to our most cherished forebears, for their ingenuity, handwork and vision.
My dear brothers and sisters, let us use the opportunity that this carnival provides, to reflect on the glorious and timeless contribution of these “unknown” and certainly unsung heroes and draw inspiration from them in our quest for nation building. Our high regards also go to the members of the Guild of our generation who have worked tirelessly to keep the flag flying. Let us resolve FIRMLY that we shall NEVER allow the efforts of our past heroes be in vain.
Sharing the words of Bruce Chatwin who in, “an unsung land is a dead land: Since if the songs are forgotten the land itself will die.” Special thanks to Dr. Ekhaguosa Aisien from whom I got the quotation.
Please be assured that we shall NEVER stop singing the songs of our land. Your Majesty, the Oba, we, the proud inheritors of this great legacy, have resolved that we shall NEVER NEVER allow our heritage and our land to die. It is also a clarion call and challenge to the younger generations: NEVER EVER stop singing the songs of our dearly beloved fatherland. NEVER allow our land to die.
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On the weekend that signified a break (refueling period) in the nation-wide strike over the removal of fuel subsidy,....