Edo Tribe Benin Bronze Medicine Pouch ~31.5" Tall (New 2024) - West African Artifacts

Dimensions: H:31.5" W:9.8" L:13.8" Weight: 37.5 lbs.

Edo Tribe Benin Bronze Medicine Pouch – The Benin bronze pouches are artifacts originating from the ancient Kingdom of Benin, located in present-day Nigeria. These pouches are crafted from bronze, a material highly valued for its durability and symbolic significance in Benin culture. They served various purposes within the society, primarily as containers for medicinal herbs, charms, or sacred objects believed to possess healing or protective properties. The design of these bronze pouches typically reflects the rich cultural and artistic traditions of the Benin Kingdom. They are adorned with intricate patterns, symbols, and motifs that hold specific meanings within the cultural context. These designs often incorporate imagery related to Benin mythology, religious beliefs, and historical events. These bronze pouches are highly valued for their historical, artistic, and cultural significance. They serve as tangible reminders of the advanced metallurgical techniques and sophisticated artistic skills of the Benin craftsmen.

About the Tribe

The Edo tribe, also referred to as the Bini people (derived from Benin), can be found in Edo State in the south of Nigeria, although they can also be found spread across the Delta, Ondo and Rivers states. The Edo/Bini-speaking ethnic groups include the Esan, the Afemai, the Isoko, the Urhobo among others. They are the descendants of the people who founded the ancient and mighty Kingdom of Benin which was founded around the year 900, but it reached the height of its power in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries as a result of the conquests of new territories by two kings —Oba Ewuare and his son Oba Ozolua (Oba means “king”). The Obas of Benin amassed great wealth by controlling trade routes reaching from the river Niger in the East to the western border with the kingdom of Dahomey. In Benin City, craft workers were organised into groups known as guilds. There were guilds for wood carvers, ivory carvers, leather workers, blacksmiths and weavers. Most important of all was the brass casters’ guild. They were only allowed to work for the Oba (king). The name Benin was derived from “Ubinu” which was used to describe the capital of the kingdom. But was then mispronounced by the Portuguese as “Bini” and then further to Benin around 1485 when the Portuguese began trade relations with Oba Ewuare who was the traditional ruler at the time.