Title: The Ivory Tusk of the Benin Kingdom: A Sacred Object of Spiritual Significance

Introduction: The ivory tusk of the Benin Kingdom is a sacred object of great spiritual significance. It is believed to have been created during the 19th century in what is now present-day Nigeria, and has been passed down through generations as a symbol of cultural and religious identity. In this presentation, we will explore the history, symbolism, and spiritual significance of the ivory tusk of the Benin Kingdom.

History: The Benin Kingdom was a powerful kingdom in West Africa during the 19th century, known for its sophisticated political and artistic traditions. Ivory carving was an important artistic tradition in the Benin Kingdom, and the ivory tusk was a symbol of the king's authority and power. The ivory tusk was often used in royal ceremonies and was considered a sacred object, imbued with spiritual significance.

Symbolism: The ivory tusk of the Benin Kingdom is rich in symbolism, with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the kingdom's history and mythology. The tusk is often decorated with images of animals, such as leopards or elephants, which represent the king's power and authority. The carvings on the tusk also depict important events in the kingdom's history, such as battles or royal ceremonies.

Spiritual Significance: The ivory tusk of the Benin Kingdom is a sacred object with great spiritual significance. It is believed to contain the spirits of the ancestors and is used in traditional religious practices to honor and communicate with the spirits. The tusk is often used in ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and other important events, and is considered a symbol of cultural and religious identity.

Preservation and Conservation: The ivory tusk of the Benin Kingdom is a valuable cultural and historical artifact, and efforts have been made to preserve and conserve it for future generations. The tusk is now housed in museums and art galleries around the world, and there have been ongoing efforts to return the tusk to its place of origin in Nigeria.

Additionally, conservation efforts have been put in place to protect the tusk from damage or decay.

Conclusion: The ivory tusk of the Benin Kingdom is a sacred object of great spiritual significance, with a rich history and complex symbolism. It is a symbol of cultural and religious identity and continues to be used in traditional religious practices. Efforts to preserve and conserve the tusk for future generations have been ongoing, and it remains an important cultural artifact that represents the history and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

DL 233 (Goli Mask)

ORIGIN: Wan people of Cote d’ Ivoire, West Africa

CULTURE: Baule or Baoulé or Bawule

ORIGINAL NAME: Goli Glin (Ancestral Spirit)

Inventory Number:	RJM 61862
Title:	Buffalo mask
Artist/Participant:	Bwa; cultural attribution; questionable

Title: Mami Wata: A Deity and Goddess of African Mythology

Introduction: Mami Wata is a deity and goddess in African mythology with significant cultural and religious significance. She is revered by many people across West Africa and is known for her power, beauty, and influence. In this presentation, we will explore the origins, mythology, symbolism, and cultural significance of Mami Wata, as well as discuss different interpretations and debates surrounding her meaning and symbolism.

Origins: Mami Wata's origins can be traced back to West Africa, where she is believed to have originated in the coastal regions. She is often associated with water and is said to reside in the ocean or other bodies of water. Mami Wata is also associated with serpents, which are often depicted as coiled around her body. She is seen as a powerful and influential figure in African mythology and is often worshipped in traditional religious practices.

Mythology and Symbolism: Mami Wata is known for her beauty and her physical appearance is often depicted as a mermaid or a woman with a fish tail. She is also often depicted wearing jewellery or carrying objects such as a mirror or comb. In African mythology, Mami Wata is associated with wealth, beauty, and power, and is often worshipped as a goddess of fertility, love, and protection. She is also believed to have the power to heal and bring good luck.

Cultural Significance: Mami Wata has had a significant impact on African art, literature, and popular culture. Her image has been depicted in various forms of media, including music, film, and literature. In many West African countries, Mami Wata is still worshipped as a deity and her image is often used in traditional religious practices. She has also become a symbol of African identity and pride, and her image has been used in political and social movements.

Interpretations and Debates: There are various interpretations and debates surrounding the meaning and symbolism of Mami Wata

Some argue that Mami Wata is a symbol of female empowerment and that her image has been appropriated by feminist movements. Others argue that Mami Wata's image has been distorted by Western cultural influences and that her original meaning and symbolism has been lost.

Conclusion: Mami Wata is a significant figure in African mythology and has had a profound impact on African art, literature, and popular culture. Her image has been appropriated in various ways, and there are ongoing debates surrounding the meaning and symbolism of Mami Wata. However, she remains an important symbol of African identity and pride and continues to be worshipped as a deity in many African countries.

Suggestions for Future Research: Further research on Mami Wata could explore her influence on contemporary African art and literature, as well as her role in modern African religions. Additionally, more research could be done on the ways in which Mami Wata's image has been appropriated and used in non-African contexts, and the impact this has had on her original meaning and symbolism. Research could also explore the ways in which Mami Wata's image has been used to challenge dominant cultural narratives about race, gender, and power.

Inventory Number:	RJM 62104
Other number:
Title:	Mami
Artist/Participant:	Igbo
Provenance:	"Provenance (index card): Origin (location book): Nigeria"
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Dimensions:	"Object dimensions: H 472 x W 240 x D/L 212 mm Weight: 456 g"
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Notes:	Comparative literature: Wendl, Tobias. ' Mami Wata or a Cult between Cultures.' Kulturanthropologische Studien vol. 19. Münster 1991.
Literature:
Add. p. 38-45

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NAME: OKPU AGỤ (LEOPARD CAP)

ORIGIN: EKPE LEOPARD SOCIETY

CULTURE: IGBO/EFIK/IBIBIO (NIGERIA)

OVERVIEW:

The Okpuagu dates as far back as the early 18^th century. The Ekpe (Leopard) secret society, a locally-formed institution of law enforcement and order, was the first to use it. Their functions ranges from checking the excesses of the ruling council, to credit bureaucracy, and most importantly, a spiritual cult of noble and wise individuals, bequeathed with the duty of preserving the most important knowledges of the community as passed down by ancestors.

It is almost impossible to gain a total understanding of African Indigenous Knowledges without an assessment of her secret societies. It is also worth noting that the term ‘secret’ can have different meanings in different contexts. While some practices may be hidden from the mainstream or require certain levels of initiation or knowledge, this does not necessarily make them malicious or sinister. In many cases, this secrecy is simply a way to protect the privacy and safety of practitioners or to preserve and protect the integrity of certain teachings and traditions.

The Okpuagu, amongst many other things is one of the regalia used in identifying members of this society. As time passed, other secret societies within the region also started using this cap, as a means of identification. One of such groups who made this gear highly symbolic is the Nze na Ozo society.

Just like the Ekpe society, the Nze na Ozo is the highest socio-religious group in the Igbo society, who are strongly and solely responsible for shaping the social structures, norms, and values in a community. They also serve as a governing body that mediates between the living and the dead (ancestors). Members are chosen by divinities because of their fostered wisdom, decency and uprightness.

The members of this society wear a special regalia, amongst which is the Okpuagu. It should be emphasized that only members of the higher Ozo level of the Nze na Ozo society are the ones allowed to wear the Okpuagu. Although members of the lower Nze level occupy a significant position in the society, they are not entitled to wear it.

This cap can also be adorned with eagle feathers and this really depends on one’s level of seniority in the society. Overall, for the members of the Nze na Ozo society, the Okpuagu serves as a symbol of authority and prestige, it is what announces their identity in public.

Inventory Number:	RJM 61808
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Title:	Cap
Artist/Participant:	Yoruba; Cultural attribution
Provenance:	Nigeria
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Dimensions:	"Object dimensions: H 390 x W 200 x D/L 55 mm Weight: 110 g"
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NAME: ORI-OLOKUN (Head of Olokun) [The Divinity of The Ocean]

ORIGIN: WEST AFRICA (NIGERIA)

CULTURE: EDO/YORUBA

OVERVIEW:

Deities, better known as Orisha (or Orisa) in the Yoruba language, are supernatural entities, who work in tandem with Olodumare, the divine and supreme entity in the Yoruba cosmology/ spirituality in checking that the natural laws are well kept.

Olokun is therefore a deity in Yoruba cosmology/spirituality, who manifests itself through water. It is the deity with the absolute authority over water, sea, ocean, etc. Water is naturally, one of the four revered elements across most African cosmological systems, the other three being fire, earth and wind. It serves as a panacea for purification, healing and regeneration. It is also used in communicating to the supreme deity, in cases of extreme need.

The Ocean or sea, which is the abode of Olokun is notably, the source of all wealth in Yoruba cosmology.

FUNCTIONS OF OLOKUN:

The Olokun occupies a prominent place in the pantheon of Yoruba divinities. It is the sustainer of sea life, and an abode of wealth and protection for all adherents who genuinely seek its favor. In being a purifying element, Water enables Olokun to have a great hold in solving grave matters for believers and adherents.

Those who are her devotees are also favored with gift of children.