Band 5

The fish-legged figure found on this band may seem similar to one found on the second band. But surrounding carvings suggest that this image may symbolize Oba Ozuolua the Conqueror, who ruled Benin in the early 1500s. Here, the figure's fish legs and the crocodiles he holds are signs of his power. We think Ozuolua brought in Portuguese advisors. A Portuguese man, holding a musket, appears on this band. Though the Portuguese wouldn't sell guns to non-Christians like the Edo, they did fight alongside Benin warriors. Other symbols evoke Ozuolua's famous wife Idia, the most powerful woman in Benin history, and their son Esigie.

The bird shown here represents the Oba's ability to see and overcome false prophets and fortunetellers.

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