History - Junior Secondary 2 - Relationships and differences that existed between different centres of civilization in pre-colonial Nigeria

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 1 and 2

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC: Relationships and differences that existed between different centres of civilization in pre-colonial Nigeria

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

1. ) Explain the relationships that existed between Ife/Benin kingdom in pre-colonial Nigeria
2. ) Discuss the differences that existed between Ife and Benin kingdom in pre-colonial Nigeria

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

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: recommended history textbooks for Junior Secondary School 2

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 1

NOTE.

Relationships Between People from Different Centres of Civilization

1. Trade and Economic Exchange: The Ife and Benin kingdoms had established trade routes that facilitated the exchange of goods, such as textiles, metals, and agricultural products. This economic interaction fostered relationships between the two kingdoms and promoted cultural exchange.
2. Diplomacy and Alliances: Diplomatic relations often developed between the kingdoms through marriage alliances and treaties. Such alliances were significant in maintaining peace and fostering cooperation between the two cultures.
3. Cultural Exchanges: The interactions between the Ife and Benin people led to the exchange of cultural practices, art forms, and religious beliefs. Artisans and craftsmen traveled between the kingdoms, influencing each other's artistic styles and techniques.
4. Migration and Settlement: There were instances of migration between the kingdoms, with people moving for various reasons, including trade, conflict, or the search for better opportunities. This movement contributed to a blending of cultures and shared practices.
5. Military Engagements: Although there were periods of peaceful coexistence, conflicts occasionally arose over territorial disputes or competition for resources. Such military engagements shaped the political landscape and relationships between the two kingdoms.

EVALUATION:   

1. How did trade contribute to the relationships between the Ife and Benin kingdoms?
2. What role did marriage alliances play in the diplomatic relations between Ife and Benin?
3. In what ways did cultural exchanges impact the artistic practices of the Ife and Benin people?
4. How did migration influence the interactions and relationships between the Ife and Benin kingdoms?
5. What were some of the causes and outcomes of military engagements between the Ife and Benin people?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 2

NOTE

Differences Between the Ife and Benin Kingdoms

Political Structure

• Ife:
• The political structure of Ife was characterized by a council of chiefs and a king, known as the Ooni of Ife, who held significant spiritual and political authority.
• The governance system was more decentralized, with local chiefs exercising authority in their respective domains while still recognizing the Ooni's leadership.
• Benin:
• The Benin Kingdom was highly centralized, with the Oba of Benin wielding absolute power and authority over the entire kingdom.
• The political structure included a well-organized bureaucracy with appointed officials overseeing various aspects of governance, such as trade, agriculture, and security.

Culture and Customs

• Ife:
• Ife is known for its rich artistic heritage, particularly in bronze and terracotta sculptures, which reflect the kingdom's advanced craftsmanship and cultural values.
• The Ife people celebrated various festivals that emphasized their connection to spirituality and the ancestors, such as the Olojo Festival.
• Benin:
• The Benin Kingdom is renowned for its intricate ivory and bronze artworks, particularly the famous Benin Bronzes, which serve as symbols of royal power and cultural identity.
• Benin customs involved elaborate ceremonies and rituals, including the Igue Festival, which celebrated the Oba's power and the kingdom's unity.

Religious Beliefs

• Ife:
• The Ife people practiced a form of polytheism, worshiping a pantheon of deities associated with nature, fertility, and ancestors. The earth goddess, Osun, was particularly revered.
• Ancestor veneration was an essential aspect of Ife spirituality, where the living sought guidance and blessings from their ancestors.
• Benin:
• The Benin people also practiced polytheism, with a strong emphasis on the worship of the Oba as a divine figure and intermediary between the people and the gods.
• Religious practices included rituals to appease the gods and ancestors, with significant ceremonies held at shrines and altars throughout the kingdom

EVALUATION:   

1. What are the key distinctions in the political structures of the Ife and Benin kingdoms?
2. How do the artistic styles and cultural expressions of the Ife kingdom differ from those of the Benin kingdom?
3. What significant festivals are celebrated in Ife and Benin, and what do they reveal about each kingdom's cultural values?
4. How do the religious beliefs of the Ife people, including their pantheon of deities, compare to the worship practices in the Benin kingdom?
5. In what ways do ancestor veneration practices differ between the Ife and Benin kingdoms?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively