Idia
Iyoba (Queen Mother) of Benin
15th–16th century · Kingdom of Benin
Helped secure the reign of Oba Esigie and became an enduring symbol of Benin court power and artistic achievement.
The Full Profile
Idia, Iyoba (Queen Mother) of Benin, helped secure the reign of Oba Esigie and became an enduring symbol of Benin court power and artistic achievement. Idia was the mother of Oba Esigie of Benin and is remembered for political counsel, military support, and court influence. The title Iyoba, or Queen Mother, became institutionalized in Benin. Celebrated ivory and bronze works connected to her image are among the most famous artistic legacies of the kingdom. Benin's court artists immortalized her in ivory pendant masks now held by the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art; in 1977 her face became the emblem of FESTAC, the great festival of Black and African arts.