(1)Why do the people of Edo/Idu/Benin like the colour red so much that their attires can be regarded as incomplete without it?
(2)Does the colour preference have anything to do with their history?
(3)Do the names EDO AND IDU have anything to do with the red colour?
(4)Have they at any time been known as the Red people? If yes, any link between red people and the meaning of Edo/Idu?
(5)What is the meaning of Edo/Idu?
(6)Can the beginning of the red-coloured adornments be traced?

Please I am curious about the Idu history and want to learn more as I find the preference for the red colour to be peculiar to the Edo/Idu people out of all African nations that I am aware of.

Red is a colour preferred in traditional religion-especially in parts of southern nigeria.

I have no idea why its dominant in edo/idu. I hadnt noticed.

Are you referring to coral beads or just red cloth in general.

The opinion I've had over the years is that the preference of that colour in Southern Nigeria is due to Edo influence and perhaps a sort of mimicry of their culture. Besides, I have a strong feeling that therein lies the answer to their history. And yes I'm referring to both coral beads and red cloth but more of the former.

Which other nation an be described as the Red People?

Their fondness of the red colour may be in reverence to Esau.

amor4ce:

The opinion I've had over the years is that the preference of that colour in Southern Nigeria is due to Edo influence and perhaps a sort of mimicry of their culture. Besides, I have a strong feeling that therein lies the answer to their history. And yes I'm referring to both coral beads and red cloth but more of the former.

Which other nation an be described as the Red People?

red coral was used in other parts of africa as well.

i think trade is the major factor here, not tribe, but that's just my opinion.


the traditional red cloth is used to signify war, captives [slaves] and general juju.

but nowadays it can be used for other things.

Coral beads are a very recent introduction to Nigeria, speaking historically, as they came first from the Portuguese. Red beads traditionally were made out of stone (jasper or chalcedony), what is sometimes called "lantana." These beads came from the region of the Niger River near Ilorin.

lakal:

Coral beads are a very recent introduction to Nigeria, speaking historically, as they came first from the Portuguese. Red beads traditionally were made out of stone (jasper or chalcedony), what is sometimes called "lantana." These beads came from the region of the Niger River near Ilorin.

The famous bronze casts feature a lot of beads implying that it was common to the Bini Kingdom long before the arrival of the Portuguese.

amor4ce:

The famous bronze casts feature a lot of beads implying that it was common to the Bini Kingdom long before the arrival of the Portuguese.

I know. Those are [b]not [/b]coral beads, they are the type I mentioned before, which came from the areas around Ilorin. They were common to both the Yoruba and Edo, and probably other tribes as well.

The word "Idu" means leader in Igbo and I think it is Igbos that use "Idu" in reference to ancient Bini.Titled men in Igbo use red cap as a symbol of authority.I have noticed Libyans and other North Africans on that same red cap.

Abagworo:

The word "Idu" means leader in Igbo [/b]and I think it is Igbos that use "Idu" in reference to ancient Bini.Titled men in Igbo use red cap as a symbol of authority.I have noticed Libyans and other North Africans on that same red cap.

That is just 1 OF its meaning/translation.

Onicha people refer to their town as Onicha[b] Ado n'idu and its definitely not pronounced as "idu of to lead".

Idu is more of a title in Onicha,can't get a precise translation but its something that has to do with a "big man/entity". The relationship and similarities btwn Onicha and Edo/Benin cultures,dressing,way of life is 3much and overwhelming.

ifyalways:

That is just 1 OF its meaning/translation.

Onicha people refer to their town as Onicha[b] Ado n'idu [/b] and its definitely not pronounced as "idu of to lead".

Idu is more of a title in Onicha,can't get a precise translation but its something that has to do with a "big man/entity". The relationship and similarities btwn Onicha and Edo/Benin cultures,dressing,way of life is 3much and overwhelming.

I think its the same pronunciation as Edo only that the vowels are different.Much of Onitsha migrated from Idu many years ago and that's the reason for the similarity.

It seems that Idu is regarded as the progenitor of the Bini people but it almost seems like they do not know what it stands for as I am yet to get any info regarding that from her people today and online.

I would not be surprised if Idu means red colour in Edo language. If yes, then case closed!

I would not be surprised if Idu means red colour in Edo language

in edo,  red means ODODO
while the bright/or shining red means OBA.


and when the OBA is out shining in his full glory, he is dressed in what type of red?

[img]http://1.bp..com/_f9bsZoH3FfU/R85A5Ue3U1I/AAAAAAAAAEk/NwEibrCNqns/s1600/Oba%2Bof%2BBenin.jpg[/img]


OBA ghator kpere, Ise!!!

So you don't know what Idu means, What about the meaning of Idumota?

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