Jewelry is a symbol of love, art and story of life’s journey. In Nigeria both men and women love Precious Coral Beads during their traditional wedding and it is also part of a Benin culture in Nigeria.
Precious coral or red coral is the common name given to Corallium rubrum and several related species of marine corals. The distinctive attribute of precious corals is their durable and intensely colored red or pink skeleton, which is used for making jewelry
Precious coral is more popular than any other gemstone in Nigeria due to its richness in color and the bold statement which is expressed through clothing and other adornments worn at weddings.
However, in some parts of Nigeria like the Edo and Igbo, Coral beads are a symbol of royalty or one who has a chieftaincy title. There are some shapes of coral beads that only the Chief wears. Coral beads used in Edo are different from those obtained from Northern Nigeria, Yoruba land and the Eastern part of Nigeria.
Coral Beads are not just ornamental, but are believed to have effective power (ase), that is, the power to cause any vow or curse to come to pass. Wearing Coral beads is a crucial component of what gives a king divine powers.
“Ikele”, (meaning royalty) is an important coral bead in Benin. It signifies recognition and greatness. Another significance of the bead is that it is only the King that can give it out to those who have achieved greatness in the Kingdom. It is an honor to be recognized by the king because people will then respect them more in their community.
Also the Edo wedding attire worn by brides during their traditional wedding ceremony is so rich and regal. They look like true African queens in their beaded coral attires.
To start off with, Edo brides have their hair made into a unique hairstyle known as Eto-Okuku. Coral beads are then sewn into the hair to form a crown known as the Okuku. Many opt to buy a ready made wig which comes with the hair styled and the crown sewn in.
Brides also 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 known as Ivie-uru and wear the Ivie-obo on their hands. To complete the regal traditional Edo wedding look, brides wear beaded earrings – Emi-ehorivie, and carry a handbag made out of coral beads as well – the Ekpa-ivie.
