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Year 6 - History

Edo religion

Benin: Why have people argued about the Benin Bronzes?

Unit Summary

If pupils study Benin, they learn about Benin's culture and society and how its looted artworks have caused modern controversy. If they study the Maya, they build knowledge of this civilisation to analyse what made them so distinctive.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how some of the Edo's religious beliefs are visible in their artwork.

Key Notes

  • Some of the objects held by the British Museum can tell us about the Edo's religious beliefs.
  • One brass statue is a head, decorated with animals, that was used during worship of the god Osun.
  • Osun was the Edo god of medicine and magic and was believed to command the animals of the rainforest.
  • The head represents how the Oba was believed to have magic powers like the gods; the birds represent prophesy.
  • The snakes represent Osun's soldiers and the Oba's ability to use magic to destroy his enemies.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • deity: a deity is a god, goddess or supernatural being that some people worship and believe in
  • prophecy: a prophecy is a prediction of the future

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Oba in Edo society was merely a religious figure.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

Some of the objects held by the British Museum can tell us about the Edo's religious beliefs. One brass statue is a head, decorated with animals, that was used during worship of the god Osun.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'deity'

a deity is a god, goddess or supernatural being that some people worship and believe in.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: The Oba in Edo society was merely a religious figure. Correction: While the Oba did have significant religious functions and was seen as having a special connection to the divine, his role also extended to that of political leader, responsible for governance, justice, and maintaining order within the kingdom.

More Lessons In This Unit

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