The Edo people
Hello everyone am miss Blessing Andrew Isekenegbe
A student of Gombe state university, English Language
The Edo Women And Her Attire
Edo state has unique and fascinating beliefs, history, and culture. When it comes to cultural attire, the Edo People maintain a unique way of dressing. Coral bead accessories are a true passion for Edo women and men.
The Edo culture is popular in the Southern part of Nigeria. It has an interesting history and strong respect for the traditions that are passed from generation to generation
Here is a little about the Oba of Benin Cultural Attire
The Oba of Benin costume is elaborate. From head to feet and with the exception of the Iyeruan and Akhuankhuan made of Ukponmwinanido (local Cloth) every other thing the Oba wears is either red coral or Ivory beads.
The Iyeruan, a large item of regalia, is a peculiar type of hand-woven white cloth by the Royal guild, Owina-Nido.
Oba 
The Akhuankhuan, a white band around the waist is made of local cloth. The Oba of Benin crown, Ede and the shirt Ikekeze are made of tiny coral beads woven into a mesh
Ikiro hand bangles, Ukugbo-Olila a band around the chest and Eguan, a ring around the ankle, are all made of coral beads, Udahae, which is tied around the fore-head is also made of coral beads. It was introduced as part of the royal regalia after the assassination of oba Ezoti about 1473.
There is a set of about a dozen beaded necklaces, Odigba dropping some inches below the chest. There are also the side robes egbele and the ugogoro, a device to rest the hand. The Ada (scepter) features in Benin armorial bearing. The sandals are made of leather.
In contrast with this ceremonial attire, the Oba on other occasion wears a simple flowing, white gown with a cape and a white, plain cap. Some of his chiefs wear a similar gown, but not the cap. In their case, the gown may be one of coloured material, and long coral necklaces and wristlets may also be worn.
Some natural rulers in the state also have beaded crowns as well as those made of other materials like cloth or brass. The most common in the cloth type, either plain or adorned, and golden in color. They wear robes and coral beads in one style or the other
Edo Male (Men) Cultural Attire
When it comes to Cultural attire, Edo men don’t joke. They happily wear a white T-shirt or shirt and above it they wear a multicolored striped fabric. You also can find options with other patters.
The cultural attire is usually accompanied by a cap or hat. The caps are often called headdress and are made either of a mesh of coral beads or of fabric.
The choice of headdress depends on the preferences of a man. Some men even prefer to wear black hats as part of their traditional attires.
It is also popular to choose a carved walking stick that makes a groom look like a true gentleman. Wearing a wrapper around the waist is also a tradition for many men.
Throwing a colorful wrapper over a white shirt underneath with a horse tail held on the left shoulder over the wrapper is another dressing style for men.
Edo Female (Women) Cultural Attire
The Edo female Cultural attire is one of it’s kind. Edo women are very beautiful. Wearing their cultural attire doubles their beauty. You can’t help it but admire Edo ladies.
The Edo women have their hair made into a unique hairstyle known as Eto-Okuku. Coral beads are then sewn into the hair to form of a crown known as the Okuku.
The Edo women tie beautiful wrappers made from a variety of fabrics including velvet, lace and george. They also wear the Ewu-ivie, a beaded cape or blouse.
Edo women adorn their necks with coral beads known as Ivie-uru and wear the Ivie-obo on their hands and beaded earrings. Their handbag is made out of coral beads as well the Ekpa-ivie.
Edo is predominately homogenous and inhabited by Edo speaking group. Their behavioural pattern is the same as they tend to trace their ancestry to the Benin kingdom. The Binis speak Edo language and are widely spread, there are also the Ishan speaking people as well as the Estakos, the Owans and Akoko edos.
Edo state being the bastion and citadel of culture in Nigeria is the custodian of important historical artifacts- bronze, brass, woodwork and terracotta.
Most of the bronze and ivory pieces were looted during the British expedition of 1897. There are art workshops and galleries located in Benin City. The Most important Art centre in the state is the Benin Museum hosting a collection of ancient, modern, and some contemporary arts of Benin and some other cultures in Nigeria.
RELIGION
There are three predominate religion practiced by the Binis of Edo state. Islam, Christianity and traditional Religion. The traditional religion is today gradually giving way by the two other religions. Groundnut Soup (Omisagwe),
Groundnut is one of the most popular soup among the Edo people. The soup is made from roasted groundnut. Groundnut soup happens to be one of the cheapest soup to prepare and also one of the most delicious.
This soup is eaten with a wide range of food like Eba, Fufu, Pounded Yam, Cornmeal and white rice.
Edo people are blessed with a lot of food if you are from Edo state and you have not eaten any of this food, I want to doubt if truely you are from Edo.
In terms of food, Edo is like the crossroad of Nigeria cuisine, its geographical position makes it a meeting point for menus from the Yoruba people in the West, the Igbos in the East and the Hausas in the North.
Food like amala, ewedu and gbegiri which are peculiar to the Yoruba people are part of Edo people cuisine. Edo people also have in their menu food like Fufu, White soup, Banga soup that are peculiar to the Igbo people. A cornmeal call Tuwon shinkafa is also part of the menu of some part of the Edo people.
This 5 food is peculiar to Edo people, and if you are from Edo and you have not eaten any of these, then you are not from Edo.
1. Groundnut Soup (Omisagwe),
Groundnut is one of the most popular soup among the Edo people. The soup is made from roasted groundnut. Groundnut soup happens to be one of the cheapest soup to prepare and also one of the most delicious.
This soup is eaten with a wide range of food like Eba, Fufu, Pounded Yam, Cornmeal and white rice.
2. Black Soup,
Another most popular soup among the Edo people is black soup. This is made from various blended herbs and vegetables such as Bitter leaf, Cassava leaf, Scent leaf, Plantain leaf, and some other edible leaves and herbs.
This soup is not only delicious, but it is also medicinal. Good for Stomach pain and Burning of body fats and reduce calories.
3. Corn soup (OmiUkpoka),
Corn soup is made from blended dried corn and local herbs. It has a unique aroma that is enticing to the taste bud. It is best cooked and eaten at once as it tends to thicken further when cool. Though it is not recommended for people on diet due to its high carbohydrate content
.4.Palm Oil / Pepper Jollof Rice,
Palm oil and pepper jollof rice is an inexpensive jollof rice, which does not require many ingredients. It is simple to prepare and it is very popular among the Edo people.
5. Fresh fish soup,
This is a special soup among the Edo people this soup can be made in two ways , it can be prepared with tomato added with pounded yam to thicken the soup or it can be prepared with only pepper.
This soup goes perfectly with pounded yam and fufu.
You can follow my personal page on instagram @miss.blessyn
Do well to share and leave a comment.
Comments