Edo people

The Edo or Bini (from the word "Benin") people are an ethnic group primarily found in Edo State, and spread across the Delta, Ondo, and Rivers states of Nigeria. They speak the Edo language and are the descendants of the founders of the Benin Empire. They are closely related to other ethnic groups that speak Edoid languages, such as the Esan, the Afemai and the Owan.

A marriage ceremony depicting one of the traditional attire of the Edos of Nigeria.

The name "Benin" (and "Bini") is a Portuguese corruption, ultimately from the word "Ubinu", which came into use during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, c. 1440. "Ubinu" was used to describe the royal administrative centre or city or capital proper of the kingdom, Edo. Ubinu was later corrupted to Bini by the mixed ethnicities living together at the centre; and further corrupted to Benin around 1485 when the Portuguese began trade relations with Oba Ewuare. See Oba of Benin.

Dressing

Benin people have one of the richest dress cultures on the African continent. Their fashion accessories holds royalty and typically includes beads, body marks, bangles, anklets, raffia work and so on.[1]

Notable Binis in Nigeria

References

  1. ↑ "Benin dressing in contemporary Nigeria: social change and the crisis of cultural identity". African Identities. Volume 3 (Issue 2): 155–170. 2005. Retrieved 10 May 2017.


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