History - Junior Secondary 1 - Historical sites III

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 1 and 2

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 1

AGE: 12 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC: Historical sites III

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Locate Edo on the map
2. ) Describe the Edo origin
3. ) Enumerate the socio-political systems of the Benin Kingdom
4. ) Describe Benin culture
5. ) State the Edo artifacts
6. ) Describe the occupational activities of the Benin people
7. ) State the significance of Benin culture in Nigerian history
8. ) State Benin relationship with other Nigerian people

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Basic History for Junior Secondary Schools 1 by Ijeoma E.O

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 1

NOTE

HISTORICAL SITES III

Edo on the map of Nigeria:

Edo State is located in the southern region of Nigeria. It shares borders with Kogi State to the northeast, Delta State to the southeast, and Ondo State to the west. Its capital city is Benin City.

Edo Origin:

The Edo people, indigenous to the region around Benin City, trace their ancestry to the ancient Benin Kingdom. According to oral traditions, the kingdom was initially founded by the Ogisos (rulers) and later ruled by the Obas after the arrival of Prince Oranmiyan from the Yoruba kingdom of Ife. The Benin Kingdom rose to prominence in the 15th century, becoming one of Africa’s most powerful empires, known for its advanced political system, sophisticated bronze artistry, and vast trading networks.

Socio-political Systems of the Benin Kingdom:

• The Oba: The king (Oba) is the central authority in the Benin Kingdom, considered semi-divine and the political, spiritual, and cultural leader.
• Uzama N’Ihinron: A council of seven noble chiefs who assisted the Oba in governance and major decisions.
• Eghaevbo: Palace chiefs responsible for administering different sections of the kingdom.
• Town Chiefs: Led by the Enogie, they managed various districts, maintaining order and relaying the Oba's commands.
• Guilds: Various crafts and professions organized into guilds, playing roles in society and contributing to the kingdom’s economy and culture.

Benin Culture

The Benin culture is one of the most distinguished in African history, renowned for its advanced artistic and architectural achievements. The people of Benin are famous for their exquisite bronze sculptures, particularly the iconic Benin Bronzes, which depict the Oba, warriors, and deities, and are celebrated globally for their craftsmanship. Traditional religion plays a vital role, with reverence for the Oba as both a political and spiritual figure. Ancestor veneration, rituals, and festivals are central to their belief system, with the Igue festival being one of the most important. Social organization in Benin is hierarchical, structured around the monarchy, noble families, and guilds. The Benin Kingdom's influence extended through extensive trade networks that connected them to other African states and European nations in the early modern period, trading items like ivory, pepper, and slaves. The culture’s rich traditions, artistic heritage, and societal systems remain influential in modern-day Edo State.

EVALUATION:   

1. Where is Edo State located in Nigeria, and which states does it share borders with?
2. What role did the Ogisos and Prince Oranmiyan play in the origin of the Edo people and the Benin Kingdom?
3. Who are the Uzama N’Ihinron, and what role did they play in the socio-political system of the Benin Kingdom?
4. How were guilds organized in Benin society, and what was their contribution to the kingdom's economy?
5. What is the significance of the Benin Bronzes, and how do they reflect the artistic and cultural achievements of the Benin people?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 2

NOTE

HISTORICAL SITES III

Edo Artifacts:

   The Edo people, particularly from the Benin Kingdom, are known for their remarkable artifacts, which include:

   - Benin Bronzes: Intricate bronze plaques and sculptures, often depicting the Oba, warriors, and historical events.

   - Ivory Carvings: Delicate and elaborate carvings of masks, tusks, and ornaments.

   - Terracotta Works: Sculptures and heads made from clay, used for religious and ceremonial purposes.

   - Brass Works: Used to create ceremonial objects like royal staffs and jewelry.

   - Wood Carvings: Traditional masks and statues made from wood, used in festivals and rituals.

Occupational Activities of the Benin People:

   The Benin people were involved in several occupations, including:

   - Artisanship: Famous for bronze casting, wood carving, and ivory carving. These guilds created works for the royal court and religious rituals.

   - Farming: The Benin people cultivated crops such as yams, cassava, and plantains, which were staples in their diet.

   - Hunting and Fishing: Men hunted game and fished in rivers, contributing to the community’s food supply.

   - Trading: Benin had extensive trade networks with other African states and Europeans, exchanging goods like ivory, palm oil, pepper, and later, slaves.

   - Administration and Governance: Nobles and chiefs managed the kingdom’s political and social systems, helping to maintain law and order.

Significance of Benin Culture in Nigerian History:

   Benin culture plays a crucial role in Nigerian history due to its advanced socio-political structure, artistic achievements, and military strength. The Benin Kingdom is known for its sophisticated governance under the Oba, influencing other Nigerian societies. Benin's bronze artifacts, particularly the Benin Bronzes, are considered national treasures, symbolizing Nigeria’s rich heritage and pre-colonial artistry. Benin also had an extensive trade network that linked Nigeria to Europe, contributing to global commerce during the pre-colonial period. The kingdom's resistance to British colonization and its eventual fall in 1897 is a significant event in Nigeria's colonial history.

Benin's Relationship with Other Nigerian People:

   The Benin Kingdom maintained relationships with various Nigerian ethnic groups through trade, diplomacy, and conquest. They had close ties with the Yoruba people, especially with Ife, as Oranmiyan, a Yoruba prince, played a key role in the kingdom’s early history. Benin also had trade and diplomatic relations with the Igbo, Urhobo, and Itsekiri people. While peaceful interactions existed through commerce and cultural exchange, Benin also engaged in military campaigns, expanding its influence over neighboring territories and peoples.

EVALUATION:   

1. What are the most notable artifacts of the Edo people, and what materials were commonly used to create them?
2. What were the primary occupational activities of the Benin people, and how did these contribute to their economy?
3. How has Benin culture, especially its artistic achievements, influenced Nigerian history and heritage?
4. Describe the role of the Benin Kingdom in pre-colonial trade and its relationships with European nations.
5. How did the Benin Kingdom interact with other Nigerian ethnic groups, and what was the significance of their relationship with the Yoruba people?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively