| Ewuare’s Talisman | |
|---|---|
| |
|
Origin |
Oba Ewuare |
|
Type |
Talisman |
|
Effects |
Allows wearer to understand advanced herbology medicine |
|
Downsides |
None |
|
Activation |
Worn |
|
Collected by |
Agent Grainger, K. |
|
Section |
|
|
Aisle |
67224-1058 |
|
Shelf |
364012-8462-575 |
|
Date of Collection |
August 10, 1945 |
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
Oba Ewuare was the king of the Benin Empire (in 2016 this is the southern region of Nigeria) from 1440 until 1473 after a violent coup against his brother Uwaifokun which destroyed much of Benin City. Unlike his brother and despite how violent of a coup it had been Ewuare was known as the first true King of the Benin Empire as he not only rebuilt the city but expanded the region. He left a significant legacy fostering arts and festivals in his rule. In both folktales and artistic representations, Ewuare is considered someone with significant magical powers. His herbal and magical knowledge is attested to in a number of significant artwork from the era. Spoken history states that there was a Igue festival to renew his magical powers. One key feature in all works of art about Ewuare was that he was seen wearing a talisman which was assumed to be the real source of his magical powers.
Effects[]
Allows wearer to understand advanced herbology medicine. Along with the medical knowledge user becomes fluent in Hausa, Igbo, Edo and Kanuri, the main languages of the area during Ewuare's lifetime.
Collection[]
This artifact was originally collected by artifact hunter Subhas Chandra Bose early in his career. It was later recovered by Agent Katherine Grainger August 10, 1945 after the capture of Bose.