Coral Crown in natural RED, WHITE, PINK colors. This crown is reminiscent of the natural coral beads worn by royalty in ancient Benin Empire of Nigeria. Coral beads are worn in Benin Kingdom by Kings, Queens and royal clansmen. The King was known to have magical powers when he adorned his coral beads - whatever he called into being came to pass, therefore he was feared but also very much respected. Most recently, coral beads are adorned by Benin brides and some Igbo brides for their traditional wedding ceremony. Today, coral beads are still worn by royalty in Benin today representing a symbol of high status, power and wealth.
All coral crowns are handmade. Only short supply of LIMITED EDITION Blue, Green crowns available.
Processing Time: 2-5 Business days
Coral made from imitation coral beads originating from Nigeria
History of Benin Empire
In the 1600-1700s, the Benin Empire was one of the most powerful empires in West Africa. It was founded almost 2000 years ago in 40BC. It was ruled by a powerful monarchy known as Ogisos or "Sky Kings". The Ogisos ruled till about 1200 AD when Eweka (the young son of a king of Ile-Ife) was summoned to rule the Benin Empire as the first Oba (meaning: king) of Benin after the banishment of the last Ogiso for misrule. The Benin Empire was ruled by the Obas from 1200AD-1897. Under the Obas, the Benin Empire became a highly organized, powerful and influential state that expanded it's borders to modern day Ghana.
In the 1860s, the British wanted to gain control of Benin so they could get rich by selling its palm oil and rubber. The Oba tried to stop all contact with Britain, but the British insisted on their right to trade. In 1897 a group of British officials tried to visit Benin. They were sent away because the Oba was busy with a religious ceremony, but they decided to visit anyway. As they approached the borders of Benin, a group of warriors drove them back and several British men were killed. This attack made the British furious. They sent over a thousand soldiers to invade Benin. Benin City was burnt to the ground, it's Oba exiled and the kingdom of Benin became part of the British Empire.
The Benin Palace was rebuilt but most of its relics were never recovered, as they were sold by the British to various museums and entities all over the world. In 1960, the Benin Empire became part of modern day Nigeria, when its independence was gained from British colonialism. The coral beads still remain a symbol of prosperity, power and status in Nigeria and West Africa.
All coral crowns are handmade. Please allow a processing time of 3-5 business days prior to shipment. Thank you.
