Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Umẹwaẹn: Journal of Benin and Ẹdo Studies

Abstract

Scholars map Benin’s (City, kingdom in present-day southern Nigeria) historical contours with its monarchy and royal arts as the subject of rich literature (Paula, G. Ben-Amos 1999, 178; Okpewho, Isidore 1998). Yet, the trajectory to advance Benin’s cultural history and arts is at the expense of the less acknowledged, under-represented, and under-studied aspect of the Benin people who live beyond the capital. This scholarly neglect does not promote the understanding and appreciation of the people’s religious tradition. Fascinatingly, these people constitute and share in the (city) kingdom’s language (dialect), culture, and religion. This qualitative research is interdisciplinary and primarily descriptive, exploring and evaluating Ekaba as the people’s important genus. The study argues that the full range of the complex Ekaba is the conduit by which Osanobua (the creator God) initiates, establishes, and advances a relationship with humans (Idumwonyi and Ikhidero 2013. 123-35). This study examines Ekaba’s concept, origin, practices, and how it migrated beyond Urhonigbe. It concludes by articulating its utility and advancing a proposal for future studies to explore how this enigmatic heritage is recently reconfigured.

Pages

1-31

html

Volume

7

Publication Date

2022

Keywords

Ugie Ekaba, ritual festival, Benin Religion, Benin (City) kingdom, Peoples beyond the capital.

Disciplines

Religion

ISSN

2473-3415

Upload File

wf_yes

Download

Included in

Religion Commons

Share

COinS