Edo Cultural Attire

Edo Cultural Attire: Edo state has unique and fascinating beliefs, history, and culture. When it comes to cultural attire, the Edo People maintain a unique way of dressing. Coral bead accessories are a true passion for Edo women and men.

The Edo culture is popular in the Southern part of Nigeria. It has an interesting history and strong respect for the traditions that are passed from generation to generation.

In this article, Edo Affairs shall be discussing Edo Cultural attire. We shall cover the Oba of Benin Attire, Edo Male Cultural Attire, Edo Female Attire and What Edo People Wear on their traditional marriage day.

Oba of Benin Cultural Attire

The Ob of Benin costume is elaborate. From head to feet and with the exception of the Iyeruan and Akhuankhuan made of Ukponmwinanido  (local Cloth) every other thing the Oba wears is either red coral or Ivory beads.

The Iyeruan, a large item of regalia, is a peculiar type of hand-woven white cloth by the Royal guild, Owina-Nido.


The Akhuankhuan, a white band around the waist is made of local cloth. The Oba of Benin crown, Ede and the shirt Ikekeze are made of tiny coral beads woven into a mesh

Ikiro hand bangles, Ukugbo-Olila a band around the chest and Eguan, a ring around the ankle, are all made of coral beads, Udahae, which is tied around the fore-head is also made of coral beads. It was introduced as part of the royal regalia after the assassination of oba Ezoti about 1473.
There is a set of about a dozen beaded necklaces, Odigba dropping some inches below the chest. There are also the side robes egbele and the ugogoro, a device to rest the hand. The Ada (scepter) features in Benin armorial bearing. The sandals are made of leather.
Benin People

In contrast with this ceremonial attire, the Oba on other occasion wears a simple flowing, white gown with a cape and a white, plain cap. Some of his chiefs wear a similar gown, but not the cap. In their case, the gown may be one of coloured material, and long coral necklaces and wristlets may also be worn.

Some natural rulers in the state also have beaded crowns as well as those made of other materials like cloth or brass. The most common in the cloth type, either plain or adorned, and golden in color. They wear robes and coral beads in one style or the other

Edo Male (Men) Cultural Attire

When it comes to Cultural attire, Edo men don’t joke. They happily wear a white T-shirt or shirt and above it they wear a multicolored striped fabric. You also can find options with other patters.

The cultural attire is usually accompanied by a cap or hat. The caps are often called headdress and are made either of a mesh of coral beads or of fabric.

The choice of headdress depends on the preferences of a man. Some men even prefer to wear black hats as part of their traditional attires.

It is also popular to choose a carved walking stick that makes a groom look like a true gentleman. Wearing a wrapper around the waist is also a tradition for many men.

Throwing a colorful wrapper over a white shirt underneath with a horse tail held on the left shoulder over the wrapper is another dressing style for Edo grooms.

Edo Female (Women) Cultural Attire

The Edo female Cultural attire is one of it’s kind. Edo women are very beautiful. Wearing their cultural attire doubles their beauty.  You can’t help it but admire Edo ladies.

The Edo women have their hair made into a unique hairstyle known as Eto-Okuku. Coral beads are then sewn into the hair to form of a crown known as the Okuku.

The Edo women tie beautiful wrappers made from a variety of fabrics including velvet, lace and george. They also wear the Ewu-ivie, a beaded cape or blouse.

Edo women adorn their necks with coral beads known as Ivie-uru and wear the Ivie-obo on their hands and beaded earrings. Their handbag is made out of coral beads as well the Ekpa-ivie.


Edo Wedding Attire

Marriage in Edo State is usually very colorful. The Edo men and women are required to use the cultural attire on their traditional wedding day. They are accompanied by asoebi girls. The asoebi girls are young girls who dance along with the couple as they come out.

Asoebi girls




Edo Brides tie beautiful wrappers made from a variety of fabrics including velvet, lace and george. Over the wrapper tied at their waist, some Edo brides wear the Ewu-ivie, a beaded cape or blouse. They also adorn their necks with coral beads.

To complete the regal traditional Edo wedding look, brides wear beaded earrings; and carry a handbag made out of coral beads as well.


The Esan traditional attire consists of Ukpesan which is worn by the men, especially to weddings and important events, and Ashobi (a blouse, long skirt, and a headgear). Besides these special outing attires, they also have the traditional village garment. Igbulu is an Esan traditional wear used in ceremonial bases.

Ishan cultural attire

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