Symbols and Meaning in Dress and Identity Construction in Benin Chieftaincy

Abstract

Benins are known for their unique culture which revolves around the revered tradition centred on the Oba (king). Renowned scholars like Nevadomski, Egharevba, Ena Eweka and Aisien have carried out extensive ethnographic research covering such areas as Benin arts and crafts, religion, traditional politics and culture on the people. In contributing to the existing literature in the area of Benin chieftaincy regalia. This article examines how costumes serve as a tool for identifying Benin chiefs in their various categories of chieftaincy groups. The aim is to clarify the confusion of identifying Benin chiefs bearing in mind the similarities that abound in the general traditional dress of the people. Using qualitative research methods, with relevant literature, interview and personal observation, findings reveal that the title of a chief contributes to the construction of the costume of the chief for different purposes.