https://nigeria.craftpedia.africa/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Edo_Basketry 2026-04-11T13:48:20Z Revision history for this page on the wiki MediaWiki 1.45.1 https://nigeria.craftpedia.africa/index.php?title=Edo_Basketry&diff=206&oldid=prev 2026-02-23T09:11:55Z

<p>Created page with &quot;&#039;&#039;&#039;Edo Basketry&#039;&#039;&#039; is a traditional craft of the Edo people of Edo State, Nigeria, particularly associated with the historic Kingdom of Benin. The craft produces woven baskets used for agriculture, trade, palace supply systems, and household storage, reflecting the urban and ceremonial life of Benin City and surrounding communities. == Historical Background == The Kingdom of Benin, which flourished from the 13th century onward, was a major political and artistic center...&quot;</p> <p><b>New page</b></p><div>&#039;&#039;&#039;Edo Basketry&#039;&#039;&#039; is a traditional craft of the Edo people of Edo State, Nigeria, particularly associated with the historic Kingdom of Benin. The craft produces woven baskets used for agriculture, trade, palace supply systems, and household storage, reflecting the urban and ceremonial life of Benin City and surrounding communities.<br /> <br /> == Historical Background ==<br /> The Kingdom of Benin, which flourished from the 13th century onward, was a major political and artistic center in West Africa. While renowned for bronze casting and ivory carving, the kingdom also depended on basketry for the transport and storage of food, tribute goods, and market produce.<br /> <br /> Baskets were used to carry yams, palm oil containers, kola nuts, and other goods into Benin City, supporting palace economies and urban markets. Basket makers contributed to the broader craft specialization that characterized Benin society.<br /> <br /> == Materials and Construction ==<br /> Edo basket makers use plant materials from the surrounding rainforest and savanna zones, including:<br /> <br /> * Raffia palm fibers <br /> * Cane and rattan <br /> * Bamboo <br /> * Palm fronds <br /> <br /> Materials are split and woven into sturdy containers designed for carrying heavy loads. Some baskets feature reinforced rims to improve durability.<br /> <br /> Open-weave designs are common for transporting perishable goods, allowing airflow in humid conditions.<br /> <br /> == Functions and Uses ==<br /> Traditional uses include:<br /> <br /> * Transporting agricultural produce to markets and palace compounds <br /> * Storage of palm produce and foodstuffs <br /> * Carrying tribute goods in precolonial times <br /> * Household storage and organization <br /> <br /> Some baskets were historically used in palace supply systems to deliver food and materials to royal compounds.<br /> <br /> == Cultural Significance ==<br /> Edo basketry reflects the integration of craft production into the economic and ceremonial systems of the Benin Kingdom. While less celebrated than bronze casting, basket-making was essential to sustaining urban life and royal institutions.<br /> <br /> The craft continues to represent everyday material culture and local knowledge in Edo communities.<br /> <br /> == See also ==<br /> * [[Edo people]]<br /> * [[Kingdom of Benin]]<br /> * [[Benin City]]<br /> * [[African basketry]]<br /> <br /> == References ==<br /> * Bradbury, R. E. &#039;&#039;The Benin Kingdom and the Edo-Speaking Peoples of South-Western Nigeria&#039;&#039;. International African Institute, 1957.<br /> * Ben-Amos, Paula Girshick. &#039;&#039;The Art of Benin&#039;&#039;. Thames &amp; Hudson, 1995.<br /> * National Commission for Museums and Monuments (Nigeria). &#039;&#039;Traditional Crafts of Southern Nigeria&#039;&#039;. Lagos.<br /> <br /> [[Category:Basketry]]<br /> [[Category:Nigerian crafts]]<br /> [[Category:Edo State]]<br /> [[Category:Edo culture]]</div>

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