Queen Mother Idia N'Iyesigie
Mother of Oba Esigie

The statue at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center is a full representation of the Queen Mother in her wardress at the battle of Idah 1515-1516.

Description of Dress: 

The headgear is a war crown peculiar to her alone. The crown is designed with coral beads and is called "Ugbe na beghe ode, eirthu' owan aro" (the stone you see coming to you cannot blind you). Several adornments cover the dress: on the back of the head is the "Iyeke ebe z'ukpe" charm (Boomerang). At the middle of the head, bronze-cum ivory cast and carving representing the eleven Portuguese soldiers that went to Idah war with the Benin army.

On her neck is the "Iri Okina" (the precaution rope). It has four leopard teeth tied to it.  The rope warns her to be careful and avoid danger. On her chest is the "Ukugbavan" (the Day Belt- Problem never stops the day from dawning). The belt under the Ukgbavan is the "Uugba Igheghan Odin" (the Belt of the dumb jingle bells) to hypnotize her enemies. Under this is the "Ukugba Ohanmwen" (the Hunger protector). This belt prevents her from being hungry.

The "Aidede Okherhe vb' igban" belt (you don't embrace a young palm tree full of thorns) prevents enemies from daring her. Under this is the "Ukugba Igheghan" belt (Belt of the jingle bells), they ring to prevent losses and frighten the enemies away. Under, is the "Atete iwi y; igho" belt (a traditional tray never gets lost while being used for hawking).

All the above adornments are propped up by the "Ukugba ason" belt (the belt of the night-witches) are there to give her victory over her enemies. Unless the night gives you judgment, you will never win.

The entire set of charms are sewn, hooked and pinned to the war dress made from a full skin of matured leopard with the head, fore and hind legs complete, to make her invulnerable to war accidents and defeat. There are two "Agbada" (daggers), hung in their sheaths on both sides of her hips. She has three "Ifenmwen Obi" (poisonous arrows) amulets on her left arm and two "Ebei K" war machete and a charmed seized from a herbalist sent by the "Attah" (King) of Idah to spy on Benin Kingdom.

This Statue is a donation to the Broward County African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) by the High Priest Osemwegie Ebohon, Founder of the Ebohon Cultural Center in Benin City, Nigeria, West Africa. A part of this collection can be viewed at the AARLCC.