Did You Know?

Did you know is a Koffee Africa Black history facts compilation

1. In Benin City, craft workers were organized into groups know as guilds. There were guilds for wood carvers, ivory carvers, leather workers, blacksmiths and weavers. Most important of all was the brass casters' guild. They were strictly men and were only allowed to work for the Oba (king). The art of Benin features people, animals and gods. It provides a fascinating guide to what life and religion were like in the kingdom of Benin

2. The power ancient Benin Kingdom was founded by the son of a Ife King in the early 14th Century AD. The Benin bronzes have often been cited as a prime example of African heritage. The art of bronze casting was introduced around the year 1280. ا

3. The most precious materials used by the craft workers were brass, coral and ivory.

People believed that brass had the power to drive away evil. It was so special that it could only be used in the royal court. The palace walls were covered with plaques made from brass and it was used to make figures and heads for the royal altars.

4. Ivory was a Symbol of Purity and strength. 

In ancient times, Ivory was seen as a symbol of purity and strength. Carved ivory tusks stood by the Oba's throne and ivory bracelets and pendants were worn by the Oba and important chiefs.

5. For a long time the Benin bronze sculptures was the only historical evidence dating back several centuries into the West African past. When British forces entered Benin in 1897, they were surprised to find large quantities of cast brass objects. The technological sophisticated and overwhelming naturalism of these pieces contradicted many 19th-century Western assumptions about Africa in general

6. Corals were thought to have Magical Powers

Corals are seen as a gift from Olokun, god of the sea. Chiefs were allowed to wear coral necklaces, bracelets and anklets, but only the Oba could dress completely in coral. His people believed that when he wore his coral suit all his curses would come true!

7. Benin is named after the body of water on which it lies - the 'Bight of Benin'.

Benin, even after independence, continued to use Dahomey as its official name. It is only 15 years later that the name officially switched from Dahomey to Benin

8. It is widely believed the African continent got its name from the ancient Romans. Upon defeating the ancient northern African city of Carthage, the Romans founded a province there they named Africa; named after the Afri tribe that inhabited the area.

9. Dolphins Sleep with One Eye

10 Dr Christian Bambard from South Africa is the first African surgeon to perfom the first transplant in the world

11. The length of your feet is the same as the length of the end of your palm to the elbow.