Ẹyo Otọ
Ẹyo Otọ presents historic Benin objects through their correct Edo designations, grouping them according to Edo knowledge systems rather than classifications used by institutions outside Nigeria. It makes objects accessible through visual, written and spoken forms, including vocalised designations and contextual texts describing use, function, production and interpretation.
Users can explore objects visually and download drawings as educational materials. Ẹyo Otọ foregrounds Edo language and perspectives, creating a foundation for future research and cultural knowledge.
Digital Benin collates digital material from institutions, and some of this material is inherently colonial and contains words, terms and phrases that are inaccurate, derogatory and harmful towards African and African diasporic communities. Catalogue transcriptions, book titles, exhibition titles and museum titles may contain harmful terms. We recognise the potential for the material to cause physical and mental distress as well as evoke strong emotions. Owing to the scale of the collection’s data, a process to implement sensitive-content warnings in the displayed data is still incomplete. The material within the catalogue does not represent Digital Benin’s views. Digital Benin maintains a strong anti-colonial, anti-racist position and affirms its support for centring the humanity of historically marginalised and disenfranchised communities. Read more about the background of this statement here