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Year 6 - History

The Oba of Benin

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 describe the role of the Oba and how this is represented in some of the Benin Bronzes.

Key Notes

  • The Kingdom of Benin began in the 1000s CE and reached its peak in the 1400s CE under the rule of Oba Ewuare.
  • The Obas were the rulers of Benin, and the people of Benin believed that they were divine and showed them great respect.
  • Anyone approaching the Oba did so on their knees and were not allowed to look at him without permission.
  • The Oba lived in a palace where they would meet with their officials and lead religious ceremonies.
  • The British Museum holds many brass wall plaques showing Obas with their attendants conducting these rituals.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Oba: the Oba was the ruler of the Edo people living in the Kingdom of Benin
  • divine: to be divine is to be a god or like a god
  • plaques: a plaque is a flat piece of metal, stone or wood with writing or images on it that is fixed to a wall or surface

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • All Obas of Benin were male.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The Kingdom of Benin began in the 1000s CE and reached its peak in the 1400s CE under the rule of Oba Ewuare. The Obas were the rulers of Benin, and the people of Benin believed that they were divine and showed them great respect.

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

the Oba was the ruler of the Edo people living in the Kingdom of Benin.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: All Obas of Benin were male. Correction: While historically most Obas were, indeed, male, there were exceptions, and a few female rulers, known as "Queen Mothers," held significant influence and power. The Queen Mothers often acted as regents for young kings or played advisory roles.

More Lessons In This Unit

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