Omoye Uzamere As QUEEN IDIA

Some months ago, some friends and I teamed up for a photoshoot, to share one of the many stories of the Edo people and their (I mean, our *wink*) rich culture with the world. 

We planned for almost a year until one day, we decided, in spite of the absence of red earth, mud huts, soldiers and props, to just do it. You can tell that would have been far more expensive. 

Well, below is the result of my Thespian Muse collaboration with May16th Photography... 


Photo article written by Amah Afadameh... 

This is not a photo of a Nigerian/Edo/Bini bride. 

Today, the Queen Mother plays a significant role in most West African cultures. Before the 15th Century this office didn't exist in most West African Kingdoms. IDIA set the pace.

When Oba Ozolua died he left two powerful sons, Arhuaran and Esigie to dispute succession and compete for the throne.

The ensuing Civil War compromised Benin's status as a regional power and left the kingdom open to attacks from the Igala people who sent their warriors across the Benue river and made war with the Benin Kingdom.

Queen IDIA supported her son Esigie to ultimately defeat his brother, Arhuaran and wrest control of Benin's northern territories from the Igala.

Queen IDIA received credit for these victories as her political counsel, mystical powers and medicinal knowledge were critical elements of Esigie's success on the battlefield.

To honor her, Esigie created a new position within his royal court called 'Iyoba' literally meaning 'Mother of the Oba'. This gave significant privileges including a separate residence with its own staff. 

As Iyoba, Idia and other Queen Mothers were viewed as instrumental to the protection and well-being of the Oba and by extension the kingdom. 

As mother of the King, IDIA and later, Iyobas wielded considerable power. Within the royal court, the Iyoba's political status was equal to that of a senior chief and she enjoyed the right to commission precious works of art for personal and devotional use.

In their honour, Obas also commissioned the carving of Ivory masks or replicas of them. A popular example of one such masks is IDIA mask in the Metropolitan Museums's collection which dates as far back as the 16th Century. 

Once again, this is not your regular Edo/Benin bride. 

This is our first Iyoba - QUEEN IDIA.

Models: @omoyeuzams @andynwanze

Photo: @amanoshokun for may16thphotography