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ARTS & CULTURE

An Ancient Marvel: Sungbo’s Eredo, Nigeria’s Lost Yoruba Kingdom

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Sungbo's Eredo, Nigeria's Lost Yoruba Kingdom | fab.ng

Sungbo’s Eredo is a fascinating system of defensive walls and ditches. It is near Ijebu Ode, a Yoruba town in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria. Built between 800 and 1000 AD, this structure was erected in honour of Oloye Bilikisu Sungbo. She was a noblewoman from the Ijebu Kingdom.

Spanning more than 160 kilometers (99 miles), Sungbo’s Eredo remains one of the most notable earthworks in West Africa, serving as a testament to the engineering ingenuity of the time.

Construction and Features of Sungbo’s Eredo

The fortifications that make up Sungbo’s Eredo consist of a massive ditch and an earthen bank. With its smooth, sloping walls, the ditch is reinforced by a large bank on the inner side.

In some areas, the difference in height between the bottom of the ditch and the top of the bank reaches 20 meters (66 feet), a stunning feat given the rudimentary tools available during the construction period.

The entire structure forms a rough circle, enclosing the heart of the ancient Ijebu Kingdom. The ring stretches about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from north to south, and over time, trees and vegetation have grown around the walls, turning sections of the Eredo into lush, green tunnels.

Legends Surrounding Sungbo’s Eredo

The local people of Ijebu link Sungbo’s Eredo to Bilikisu Sungbo, a wealthy and childless widow. According to oral tradition, the massive earthwork was built as a personal memorial for her.

Another layer of legend claims that her grave is located in Oke-Eiri, a town just north of Sungbo’s Eredo. This is where pilgrims of different faiths — Christians, Muslims, and traditional African religious followers — visit annually to pay homage.

Interestingly, some historians and local folklore connect Bilikisu Sungbo with the legendary Queen of Sheba. She appears in both the Bible and the Quran.

In the Hebrew Bible, the Queen of Sheba is said to have brought gifts of gold, ivory, and other treasures to King Solomon. In Islamic tradition, she is an Ethiopian sun-worshipper who converts to Islam after meeting Solomon.

Some Islamic commentators even suggest her name was “Bilqis.” While this theory cannot be confirmed, it has fueled further curiosity about the origins of Sungbo’s Eredo.

Archaeological Findings and Theories

In 1999, archaeologist Patrick Darling led excavations at Sungbo’s Eredo. He unearthed evidence that pointed to a highly organized and large-scale polity in the region before the advent of the trans-Atlantic trade. Darling’s team discovered that the Eredo served a defensive purpose during construction. This was between 800 and 1000 AD.

This period is a time of political strife and consolidation within the southern Nigerian rainforest. Therefore, many believe Sungbo’s Eredo was part of a broader trend of building walls and ditches across western Nigeria. Moreover, it was similar to the fortifications found around Ifẹ̀, Ilesa, and the Benin Iya.

Sungbo's Eredo | fab.ng

The construction of Sungbo’s Eredo is believed to have been driven by a desire. This desire is to unify diverse communities into a singular, powerful kingdom. Interestingly, the builders deliberately dug deep into the ground to reach groundwater or clay. Furthermore, this created swampy ditches in certain areas.

In some places, conical idol statues were placed at the bottom of these ditches, further adding to the cultural and spiritual significance of the site.

Modern Interest and Renewed Attention

Despite its historical significance, Sungbo’s Eredo remained relatively unknown outside of its immediate surroundings until the late 20th century. Forty years passed between Professor Peter Lloyd’s initial analysis of the site and Patrick Darling’s 1999 survey, which brought the ancient earthwork into the global spotlight.

Darling’s work led to widespread media attention. It ignited interest in preserving Sungbo’s Eredo and exploring its place in West African history. Although difficult to prove, he emphasized that the local belief in the site’s connection to the Queen of Sheba added an essential layer to its cultural importance.

In 2017, Ade Olufeko, a Nigerian polymath, led a freelance team on an ambitious project to map and explore Sungbo’s Eredo. Olufeko’s team combined advanced technology with historical research to document the site, reigniting interest in this ancient marvel.

Their work brought the site back into social dialogue and connected Sungbo’s Eredo to international academic circles, think tanks, and tourism. This effort has contributed to a better understanding of Sungbo’s Eredo and sparked new conversations about its place in Nigerian and global history.

Significance of Sungbo’s Eredo in West African History

The size and intricate construction of Sungbo’s Eredo have led scholars to reconsider the political and cultural development of West Africa before European contact.

The site shows that large, complex societies in the region were already flourishing long before the trans-Atlantic trade began. These communities on a massive scale, were capable of organizing labor, managing resources, and constructing monumental earthworks that rival those in other parts of the world.

Sungbo’s Eredo also underscores the importance of local traditions and spiritual beliefs in constructing ancient African societies. The inclusion of idol statues and the deliberate creation of swampy ditches point to the cultural and spiritual dimensions of the site. Indeed, this makes it not only a defensive fortification but also a place of ritual significance.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Here’s The Interesting Story Behind The Word “Boycott”

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Captain Charles Boycott: Story Behind The Word "Boycott" | fab.ng

The term “boycott” is now widely used to describe organized acts of protest where people refuse to engage with a company, product, or country as a form of pressure. While it’s globally accepted today, the word’s origin is surprisingly interesting. It traces back to a British land agent named Captain Charles Boycott.

Who was Captain Charles Boycott?

Captain Charles Boycott, a British land agent working for Lord Erne, a wealthy landowner in Ireland, played a key role in this term’s origin.

In the late 1800s, Ireland was under British rule, and tensions between British landlords and Irish tenant farmers were high.

Many tenant farmers faced unfair practices, including high rents and frequent evictions, especially during economic hardship or crop failures.

In 1880, a year marked by poor harvests, tenant farmers struggled to pay their rent and had no option but to request rent reductions. They hoped their landlords would understand their difficult situation and offer some relief. However, things didn’t go as they had anticipated.

The Conflict with Captain Boycott

In September 1880, tenants on one of Lord Erne’s estates approached Captain Boycott. They asked for reduced rents to help them survive the economic downturn.

To their disappointment, Boycott refused to grant their request and proceeded to evict tenants who couldn’t pay. This response seemed especially harsh, considering the widespread poverty at the time. Consequently, the community decided it was time to take a stand.

Irish politician Charles Stewart Parnell proposed a unique form of resistance at this critical moment. Rather than resorting to violence, he suggested a strategy of social ostracism as a way to protest.

Inspired by his advice, tenants and the entire community began to ignore Captain Boycott entirely. Workers on the estate refused to labour in the fields, local shops stopped serving him, and even the local postman refused to deliver his mail.

The Spread of the ‘Boycott’

The community’s collective action against Boycott escalated quickly, leaving him unable to find anyone willing to harvest the crops on Lord Erne’s estate.

Desperate to salvage the situation, Boycott hired workers from other parts of Ireland, but they required military protection due to hostility from the locals.

This effort became so costly that it far exceeded the value of the crops, highlighting the effectiveness of the community’s stand against unfair treatment.

The unprecedented event attracted significant media coverage. Soon, newspapers across Britain and Ireland began using the term “boycott”. They use it to describe the community’s collective refusal to interact with Boycott.

As news spread, “boycott” rapidly entered the English language as a term for nonviolent resistance through social or economic exclusion.

This form of protest, now known as ‘boycotting’, gained traction far beyond Ireland. It became a powerful tool for people worldwide to stand against injustice.

Captain Charles Boycott died long ago, but people still use his name when they use the term ‘boycott’. It symbolises the power of organized social resistance.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Here’s The Tallest Building In Nigeria

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The Tallest Building In Nigeria | fab.ng

The tallest buildings often shape a city’s skyline, and Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis, proudly showcases this in its towering structures. Rising above the city, the tallest building in Nigeria, NECOM House, dominates the landscape with its impressive height and unique silhouette.

This iconic landmark, visible from miles away, has not only stood the test of time but continues to represent Lagos’s architectural identity and economic progress.

As the tallest building in Nigeria, NECOM House remains a powerful symbol of the country’s ambitions, offering a historical perspective amidst a modernizing skyline.

Indeed, the tallest building in Nigeria serves as both a structural feat and a testament to the city’s vibrant growth and resilience.

The Tallest Building in Nigeria

NECOM House, previously known as the NITEL Tower and NET Building, proudly holds the title of Nigeria’s tallest building. This impressive structure reaches a height of 160 meters (525 feet) and spans 32 floors, symbolizing Nigeria’s bold architectural pursuits of the 1970s.

Completed in 1979, NECOM House embodied Nigeria’s rapid economic growth and met the country’s telecommunications needs in an era of modernization.

Positioned strategically in Lagos, this towering building served as a hub for telecommunications and broadcasting and also rose high enough to function as a lighthouse beacon for Lagos Harbor—a unique feature among skyscrapers.

At its completion, NECOM House claimed the title of the tallest building in West Africa.

British architects Nickson and Borys designed it with a reinforced concrete frame that represented cutting-edge engineering for high-rise buildings of that time. The Costain Group, a prominent construction company, executed the project, incorporating a mast capable of supporting the heavy telecommunication and broadcasting equipment essential for Nigeria’s expanding communications network.

Despite its impressive stature and engineering, NECOM House has encountered challenges over the years. In 1983, a fire broke out on the upper floors, damaging offices and equipment. However, the building’s robust construction preserved its structural integrity, underscoring its resilience.

After extensive repairs and reinforcements, NECOM House resumed its role as a landmark of Nigeria’s architectural heritage, standing as a testament to the country’s determination and growth.

A Changing Skyline

Although NECOM House remains a significant landmark, Nigeria’s skyline continues to evolve with the development of newer and taller buildings. Notably, Lagos’s emerging financial district, Eko Atlantic, hosts the Champagne Pearl, a 34-floor skyscraper built in 2017.

However, at 134 meters (440 feet), it still falls short of NECOM House’s impressive height. As the city’s skyline grows, NECOM House maintains a unique place in Nigeria’s architectural and historical landscape. Also, it captures the spirit of a generation that sought to make a mark on the world stage.

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ARTS & CULTURE

The History Of Nok Culture

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The history of Nok culture, which flourished in what is now Nigeria from approximately 1000 BCE to 300 CE, remains one of the most enigmatic in West Africa. Its most notable legacy is its remarkable terracotta sculptures, which reveal a sophisticated understanding of artistry and craftsmanship.

Although they did not work with bronze, the Nok culture is often associated with the early development of ironworking in the region. This made their contributions to metallurgy significant in the broader context of African history.

History and Identity of Nok Culture

The history and identity of the Nok people and their culture have long puzzled researchers. While archaeological evidence suggests that they were among the earliest societies in Nigeria to produce terracotta sculptures, the specific details of their social structure, language, and cultural practices are still largely unknown.

Some scholars hypothesize that the Nok culture arose from a combination of indigenous practices and influences from neighboring regions. However, definitive proof remains elusive.

Artistic Achievements

The Nok people are particularly renowned for their terracotta figures. Consequently, it often depict human heads with intricate facial features and elaborate hairstyles.

These artifacts is not only as artistic expressions but also as important historical documents. They give glimpses into the aesthetic values and possibly the religious beliefs of the society.

Notably, many of these sculptures were found in burial sites. Apparently, they may have played a role in funerary practices or served as markers of social status.

Influence of Nok Culture on Later Cultures

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Nok civilization is its potential influence on later cultures. Particularly, this holds true for the Ife people who inhabited the region from around the 11th to 15th centuries CE.

The Ife civilization is celebrated for its exquisite metal sculptures, especially those of human heads. These sculptures exhibit a high degree of realism and technical skill. Scholars have debated whether the artistry of the Nok people laid the groundwork for the advancements seen in Ife art.

While there is no direct evidence linking Nok art to the Ife civilization, some researchers argue that the stylistic elements of Nok terracotta might have influenced Ife artists.

For instance, the intricate details seen in Nok sculptures, such as facial expressions and hair designs, could have informed the aesthetic sensibilities of later Nigerian cultures. Nonetheless, the lack of written records from both societies complicates this analysis. In turn, this leaves much to speculation.

Technological Innovations

In addition to their artistic achievements, the Nok people are believed to have developed advanced techniques in ironworking. Interestingly, this predates similar developments in other parts of West Africa.

This ability to smelt and forge iron was a transformative advancement. It allows for the creation of tools and weapons that improved agricultural productivity and defense capabilities.

Thus, this innovation likely played a role in the establishment of more complex societies in the region.

Societal Structure and Economy

Nok settlements were primarily located in the central part of Nigeria, an area rich in resources. The society relied on agriculture, cultivating crops such as millet and sorghum, which were staples in their diet.

Evidence from archaeological sites indicates that they engaged in farming as well as hunting and gathering, reflecting a diversified subsistence strategy.

Regarding social organization, the structure of the Nok people remains largely speculative due to the limited archaeological evidence. However, the scale and sophistication of their art suggest a society with a certain degree of social stratification.

The presence of large terracotta figures may indicate that some individuals held positions of significance, possibly as leaders or religious figures. This idea is supported by the discovery of large clusters of these sculptures in specific sites, suggesting communal or ceremonial uses.

Decline of the Nok Culture

The decline of the Nok culture is another area of interest that invites further exploration. Various theories have been proposed. These theories range from environmental changes, such as drought or soil depletion, to social upheaval or conflict.

By around 300 CE, the Nok culture had seemingly diminished, leading to a transformation in the region’s cultural landscape. This transition set the stage for the rise of subsequent societies. This includes the Ife, which inherited and adapted many aspects of earlier traditions.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Nok Civilization

In conclusion, while the Nok civilization remains shrouded in mystery, its impact on the history of West Africa is undeniable. The artistic and technological advancements of the Nok people laid important foundations for future cultures in the region. Even if the exact nature of their influence is still debated, it holds true.

As researchers continue to explore Nok artifacts and sites, a clearer picture of this ancient civilization may emerge. It would reveal the complexities of its society and the richness of its cultural heritage.

Ultimately, the Nok legacy, particularly through its terracotta art and early advancements in ironworking, continues to be a vital area of study for understanding the evolution of art and technology in African history.

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