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A Elephant Hunter – Dahomey (Benin).
Afrika’s love for the elephant started as early as 8000 BCE in rock art. Elephant images occur in the terracotta’s associated with the Nok culture as early as around 500 BCE and the great animal’s association with spiritual and political leadership recurs in the major Nigerian Kingdoms of Igbo Ukwu, Ife and Benin. At Benin, the elephant was the general symbol of physical power, leadership, longevity and wisdom. More specifically, the elephant represented Town Chiefs, since their leader came from the village of the Royal Elephant Hunters.Considered a controversial profession, the elephant tusks were considered a royal monopoly and whenever a hunter had killed an elephant, he was obligated to give one of the tusks to the ruling Oba before he could sell the other. Consequently, Ivory was intimately associated with power, perhaps most powerfully evident in the huge tusks carved with ritual, historical and mythological scenes that rests on ancestors shrines.
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Elephants were revered in ancient North Africa & Egypt for their warrior and sexual strengths. Ganesha, the elephant-headed Lord of Hosts was a popular deity. Of course, Hannibal revered elephants.
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Absolutely Shade and it is because of such grand history on this side of the continent that West Afrikan history tends to be overlooked. Just wanted to touch base a bit on their rich history and connection with elephants. Much love for your contribution Shade…thank you.
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