SHRINES & ARTIFACTS

URHOBO CEREMONIAL RATTLE

The Urhobo people, widely recognized as the true families of priests where gods meet mortals, boast a substantial population estimated at around 5 million individuals.

These people are predominantly situated across several states in Nigeria, including Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Ondo, Kwara, and Ekiti, among others. The cultural and geographical heartland of the Urhobo people is primarily located on the western fringe of the Niger River Delta in southern Nigeria. This region is characterized by a lush green rainforest belt that descends from the historic city of Benin, seamlessly merging with the alluvial plains that define the delta proper. The geographical boundaries of Urhoboland are notably marked by two significant rivers: the Ethiope River to the north and the Forcados River to the south. This unique positioning creates a vibrant ecosystem rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Urhoboland is crisscrossed by a complex network of waterways that flow southward into the Forcados River. Among these waterways, the Warri River and the Kiagbodo River stand out as the most crucial, serving as vital arteries for trade and communication in the region. Historically, these rivers played an essential role in the daily lives of the Urhobo people, facilitating the movement of goods and fostering social interactions. However, with the advent of modern transportation, particularly the development of drivable roads beginning in the 1930s, and significantly accelerating since the 1980s, the reliance on these smaller creeks and rivers for travel has seen a marked decline. This shift has transformed the way the Urhobo engage with their environment, impacting their traditional practices and interactions.

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Inseparable Realms of Akpo and Erivwin

In close proximity to the Urhobo people, various ethnic groups inhabit the surrounding territories, including the Benin people to the north, the Ijo Ijaw to the south, the Itsekiri to the west, and the Isoko and Ukwuani to the east. The Urhobo traditional way of life is deeply rooted in a dualistic worldview comprising two inseparable realms: Akpo, which represents the visible and tangible world of the living, and Erivwin, the invisible realm inhabited by sacred and otherworldly forces. These forces encompass gods, divinities, spirits, and ancestors, all of which play a significant role in influencing human affairs and experiences. The well-being and prosperity of the people residing in Akpo are intricately linked to the goodwill and favor of the spiritual entities that dwell in Erivwin.

One of the most significant cultural practices among the Urhobo people is the interpretation of the first cry of a newborn, referred to as atarhe, or "speaking-out." This initial cry is not merely a biological response but is imbued with profound significance, believed to foretell the positive events that will shape the child's life, including health, family, and wealth. In recognition of this belief, individuals often maintain specific works of art and cultural artifacts that are thought to help fulfill the auspicious expectations associated with the atarhe. These objects serve as tangible representations of the hopes and aspirations that the community holds for the child.

The traditional Urhobo worldview is steeped in the belief that they are surrounded by spiritual forces known as edjo, which can manifest in various natural objects, such as trees, parcels of forest, or bodies of water. These edjo are considered unapproachable entities, embodying the sacredness of nature itself, and are approached through large wood and clay sculptures that are meticulously maintained in remote and often almost inaccessible shrines.

These shrines serve as sacred spaces where the Urhobo people can connect with the spiritual realm, seeking guidance and blessings from the forces that govern their lives.

Additionally, a more direct spiritual force within Urhobo culture is represented by the orhan, a shrine dedicated to healing and health. The orhan typically takes the form of an elaborate clay vessel, which is usually sunk into the earth, containing a carefully curated collection of herbs and other sacred objects believed to possess healing properties. As the power and reputation of an orhan spread throughout the community and beyond, it attracts numerous adherents seeking its healing capabilities and spiritual guidance from far and wide. This practice underscores the Urhobo people's deep connection to their spiritual beliefs and the importance of maintaining harmony between the physical and spiritual realms.