OMOREGBE AUSTINE EMMANUEL
FSS/21/22/276813
RURAL COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
MCN 306
A FEATURE ARTICLE ON IGUN COMMUNITY.
The Art of Time: The Igun Community and Its Esteemed Bronze Sculptors
In the heart of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, lies Igun Street, a place where history and art
intertwine seamlessly with modern life. Known formally as Igun-Eronmwon Quarters, this
historic locale is not just a street but a living museum of one of the world's most enduring
crafts: bronze casting. Here, the Igun community has been practicing the art of bronze
sculpture for centuries, maintaining traditions that date back to at least the 13th century.
The Igun community is renowned for its bronze casters, who have been under the patronage
of the Oba of Benin, the traditional ruler of the Edo people. The Oba holds the title of the
lord, master, and comptroller general of the Igun Street Guild, a position that underscores the
royal significance of the bronze work produced here. The guild, exclusive to descendants of
seven original families, has been crafting bronze works that serve both ceremonial and artistic
purposes, from plaques to figurines that have adorned the Oba's dress during special
occasions like coronations.
The art of bronze casting in Igun Street has not only been about preserving history but also
about storytelling. Before the advent of photography, these sculptures acted as visual
chronicles, capturing events, societal norms, and the spiritual life of the Benin Kingdom.
These bronzes have been likened to video cameras of their time, documenting the palace's
history through intricate designs and figures.
The process of bronze casting at Igun Street remains steeped in tradition, primarily using the
lost-wax casting method, which has been passed down from generation to generation. This
technique involves creating a wax model of the sculpture, which is then encased in clay.
When heated, the wax melts away, leaving a mold into which molten bronze is poured. The
result is a detailed bronze replica of the original wax model. This method, known for its
ability to capture fine details, has been a hallmark of the Igun artisans.
Despite the centuries-old methods, the Igun bronze casters have adapted to modern times.
Today, tourists, art dealers, and collectors from around the globe visit Igun Street not just to
purchase these exquisite pieces but to witness the art in action. Igun Street has been
recognized by UNESCO as a cultural heritage site, affirming its global significance in the
world of art.
The community faces modern challenges, including the interest of younger generations in this
ancient craft. There's a noted decline in youth participation, which poses a threat to the
continuity of this rich tradition. However, initiatives and encouragement from figures like the
Oba and community leaders aim to reignite interest among the young. The practice of bronze
casting here is not just an artistic endeavor but a cultural narrative, telling stories of Benin's
past, resilience, and creativity.
Bronze from Igun Street has also been at the heart of discussions regarding cultural
repatriation. Many of the Benin Bronzes, looted during the British punitive expedition of
1897, are scattered across museum collections worldwide, sparking debates on cultural
restitution. The Igun casters have been vocal about their desire for these artworks to return
home, where they can continue to educate and inspire.
Igun Street is more than a place where bronze is cast; it's a vibrant cultural hub where history
is palpable. The street's proximity to the Oba's Palace and other cultural landmarks like the
Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre further enriches its significance. It's a place where one can step
back in time, seeing bronze works being created in much the same way as they were centuries
ago, yet with an eye towards the future of this art form.
The Igun community's bronze sculptors are custodians of an art form that not only reflects the
skill and creativity of the Edo people but also serves as a bridge between past and present.
Their work continues to captivate, educate, and preserve the cultural heritage of Benin,
ensuring that the legacy of bronze casting will endure for generations to come. Visiting Igun
Street is to experience a living art form, one that resonates with the soul of Benin and speaks
to the universal language of art.
