Edo people

The Edo people, also referred to as the Benin people, are an Edoid-speaking ethnic group. They are prominently native to the Edo South senatorial district which make up seven local government areas of Edo State, Nigeria. They are speakers of the Edo language and are the descendants of the founders of the Benin Kingdom, the Ogiso. They are closely related to other Edoid ethnic groups, such as the Esan, the Etsakọ, the Isoko, the Owan and the Urhobo as well as other southern ethnic groups.

The names Benin and Bini are Portuguese corruptions, ultimately from the word Ubini, which came into use during the reign of Oba (ruler) Ewuare, c. 1440. Ubini is an Edo word meaning 'livable', used by Pa Idu, the progenitor of the Edo state people, to describe the area found as a livable locale during their sojourn from Egypt. Ubini was later corrupted to Bini by the mixed ethnicities living together at the centre; and further corrupted to Benin around 1485, when the Portuguese began trade relations with Oba Ewuare giving them coral beads, which the Edo people call 'Ivie'.

Edo people can be found in Nigeria's Edo State, which got its name from the primary inhabitants of the region's most notable historical conglomeration, Benin City, which is also the central capital homeland of the Edo people. Edo people also have many related groups in their immediate surroundings also encompassed by the political and administrative borders of Edo state. Most of these groups have traced their history back to the historical city center of the Benin people, Benin City. Examples of such adjacent groups include various Afemai sub-groups, the Esan people of Edo state and the Akoko Edo people situated on the state's northern borders.

Edo state was formerly part of the old Bendel state of early post-colonial Nigeria, also known as the Mid-Western Region, Nigeria. This region's influence and culture reflect those of the Edo, Urhobo, Esan and other Edo related peoples. There are also 18 local government areas in Edo. These are: Akoko Edo, Egor, Esan central, Esan west, Esan south-east, Esan north-east, Igueben, Ikpoba oka, Estako east, Estako west, Estako central, Oredo, Owan East, Owan west, Ovia north-east, Ovia south-west, Uhunmwode and Orhionmwon.

The Edo people have a rich and flamboyant traditional fashion style. This is usually prominent during ceremonies such as weddings, coronation and the like. When it comes to cultural attire, the Edo people maintain a unique way of dressing. Coral bead accessories are a true passion for Edo women and men. Common attire includes coral beads, anklets, raffia work and so on. The men usually wear a white T-shirt or shirt and above it, a multicolored striped fabric. There are options with other patterns. The choice of headdress depends on the preferences of a man. Some men even prefer to wear black hats as part of their traditional attire.

It is also popular to choose a carved walking stick that makes a groom look like a true gentleman. Wearing a wrapper around the waist is also a tradition for many men.

The cultural attire is usually accompanied by a cap or hat. The caps are often called headdress and are made either of a mesh of coral beads or of fabric.

The women tie wrappers made from a variety of fabrics including velvet, lace and george. They also wear the Ewu-ivie, a beaded cape or blouse. Women adorn their necks with coral beads known as Ivie-uru and wear the Ivie-obo on their hands and beaded earrings. Their handbag is made out of coral beads as well the Ekpa-ivie.