Oral history

Igun n'Ugboha Guild, the Iron Smelters of Benin

About the interview
Benin Kingdom ContextObject Production

This video is about the iron smithers of the Benin kingdom. The chief mentions the functions of the guild and describes the component families and extended members. Prince Henry Obasogie also adds that the Igun n’Ugboha families are responsible for the production of all iron implements or tools in the Benin kingdom. They further add that the title of the leader of the Igun n’Ugboha, the Obasogie was created during the reign of Ọba Adolor. They show how the objects are made and what some of them are used for. The different iron objects that had been made are on display, their Edo names and functions are stated by Chief Aigbe Obasogie and Prince Henry Obasogie. Inside the workshop of Igun n’Ugboha there are several items/objects like Eben, Osogan (Usun n’giogio), Ukpa, Oha, Umomo, and others.

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Referenced in this interview

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