How time flies !!! It’s already weeks ago since my last visit to the Ancient-Benin-Kingdom. While I was there I also explored the national museum. Like I mentioned in my last post about Benincity,the place is full of historical and archaeological monuments. There are places of interest like the;
- The Oba’s place (The king’s Palace).
- The Benin moat otherwise known as the Great Wall of Benincity for defense.
- There are other carved images here and there in the city itself.
- …the list goes on !
I plan to explore more on my next visit and share on connect.
Now the Museum was a very interesting experience for me as it gave me more insight into the beliefs and way of life of the Benin people. It’s so well organised and preserved that you feel proud to be an African. There are various exhibitions and well labelled galleries. Talk of images, pictures, paintings,terracotta, different kinds of bronze etc. It’s a place to be! I was quite amazed to see a photo of the queen of England in her young days visiting Benincity and paying courtesy to an Egungun (A local masquerade). There are records,history and images of the 40 Kings that have ruled the kingdom up till date. There is an exibition of the Oba Akenzua II Gallery, the second exbition is Chief S.O Alonge’s works : The Photographer to the Royal Court of Benin and a 3rd exibition focuses on Unity in diversity. The diversity features images from other tribes in Nigeria; for example the Yoruba tribe, the Igbos and hausas ( The 3 main tribes in Nigeria) As you may know of Nigeria, "Our strength is in our diversity" this is clearly demonstrated in the exhibitions in the museum.
One other place of interest displayed or represented in the museum is, the holy aruosa church in benin and that still stands till date. Yet to be visited and explored.
- Other details I’ll like to add here is the token or entry fee was #500 ( $1)
- A tour guide is assigned to you on request after obtaining the entry ticket.
- It spreads over 3 floors the exhibitions and galleries .
- It’s well maintained managed and well organised.
- It has a very wide compound for relaxation.
- It’s located right in the middle of the city in a place called the “King Square” quite close to the Palace of the Oba.
- There are no
accessibility features unfortunately. - One last thing,taking of photographs in the museum is not allowed so as a local guide I had to respect the privacy of the place. Both photos on this post was taken outside the museum,that’s allowed.
All in all I enjoyed the site and visit to the place. Hope you like the post and maybe you’ll plan a visit sometime after the pandemic.
Cheers.
.