Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Relaxing Journey through Benin City (Nigeria #2)

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Starting point is 00:01:15 OnStar. Better never stops. Welcome to get sleepy. When we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. I'm your host, Thomas. Thanks so much for joining us for the third of our five episodes this week. Tonight we continue our travels in Nigeria, West Africa, as we take a tranquil journey through Benin City. This small city is located not in the country of Benin, but in southern Nigeria. In just a moment, you'll immerse your city. yourself in this vibrant place, discovering its rich culture and history. Part one of this miniseries

Starting point is 00:02:14 came out on Monday, but don't worry if you're yet to hear that one. There's no need to listen to them in any particular order. Thank you again to Kathleen for writing these tales, which I had the pleasure of recording. As always, don't worry if you drift off to sleep whilst listening. you can come back and pick up where you left off another time. So make yourself as comfortable as can be, relaxing into the support of your bed. And as you settle into the quietude of this moment, embracing the chance to rest,

Starting point is 00:03:11 remind yourself that tomorrow is an opportunity to start afresh in any way you see fit. Perhaps you're feeling bogged down by something or you're doubting yourself in some way. Maybe you've even associated certain behaviours or emotions with your sense of self so much that over time you feel it's become completely ingrained in who you are. It can be really challenging,

Starting point is 00:03:54 to let go of those things. But a new day presents a new opportunity to be the person you want to be without feeling held back by any sense of negativity. So, as you settle further into bed, preparing for a good night's sleep, take some deep breaths

Starting point is 00:04:26 and with each exhale, release anything that you no longer wish to associate with your sense of self. Maybe it's certain anxieties, ill feelings towards someone, or a sense of self-doubt that is holding you back. If any of this resonates with you, just know, that that negativity doesn't have to be a part of you anymore. With each release of the breath, let it flow out of you and know that tomorrow is a chance to start afresh and to evolve and grow. We all deserve happiness and self-love, and though it won't always be a constant, it's important to avoid hanging on to anything holding you back from having that freedom of mind and comfort within yourself.

Starting point is 00:06:00 I hope you rest well tonight and when you wake tomorrow, you can feel that sense of positivity and renewal coursing through you. Now, let's enjoy another adventure as we travel to Benin City, Nigeria, where our story begins. It's a sultry and hazy afternoon as you leave your hotel room. The sky is dotted with the odd cloud here and there, and the air is heavy with that all-too-familiar a hint at the promise of rain. You catch the scent of the earth, not yet dry from yesterday's downpour, mixed with the smells of foliage and distant smoke, navigating your way down the road, you're struck by the pulse of the city. At present, a distant throbbing as you near the city centre.

Starting point is 00:07:52 You can identify the calls of hawkers selling their wares, the lively chatter of market stores, the hum of motorcycles, and the laughter of children playing in narrow alleyways. Yet beneath this lively scene, you sense a quiet undercurrent, a stillness that hints at something deeper, something older and constant. It is this undercurrent that attracted you in the first place. You've come to Benin City, not just to explore its landmarks, but to delve into the stories of its long life. This city was once the center of the powerful Benin Kingdom. One of the oldest and most advanced civilisations in West Africa, and while you've read about the kingdom, its art, its achievements, and its tragic encounter with British colonial forces

Starting point is 00:09:22 in 1897, you know that books can only convey so much to truly understand this place. You need to experience it first-hand, to walk the same paths once trodden by kings, warriors, priests, and artists, and to put your finger on the pulse of a history still living, hat on head, bag in hand, and sunglasses perched on the bridge of your nose, you walk along the street, you can feel the sun shining down on you. But although it's humid, the city also feels open and airy, allowing for gusts of wind and the generous shade of mango trees. The mangoes currently unripe promise to be full of flavor in the next couple of days.

Starting point is 00:10:49 You're tempted to pick one off its branch. But you refrain, knowing you should allow for the natural progression of things to take its course. The sun casts a haze that distorts the horizon and blurs boundaries. Everything before you shimmers, despite the intensity of the sun. There's a certain beauty to the hazy atmosphere. As it baths the city in light, you can feel the warmth of the sun through your leather sandals. These practical shoes, which you bought from a vendor in Lagos, are covered in small beads. In the sun, they seem to cast small shards of light onto any reflective.

Starting point is 00:12:03 surface around. Soon, you reach the bustling streets of the city centre. The air practically vibrates with energy, the energy of centuries of cultural exchange. The streets seem to echo with the footsteps of traders and travellers who've been passing through for generations. The marketplace, A loosely woven tapestry of colors and sounds stretches out before you like a living canvas. Stools line the narrow alleys. Their trinkets displayed in a dazzling array. Each stool is a veritable treasure trove.

Starting point is 00:13:15 Brightly painted fabrics catch your eye. Their intricate patterns and boldness. colors, hinting at stories untold, from the highly pigmented indigoes of traditional Adiray cloth, to the shimmering silks favored by Benin royalty. Each piece carries with it a threaded hemline of the city's cultural heritage. The very designs imprinted upon them seemed to whisper tales of dynasties long gone. Of queens and warriors, who once walked these same streets, the air is heavy with the heady scent of spices. A tantalizing blend that dances on the breeze and sets your senses alight. Cinnamon mingles with cloves and cardamom with ginger,

Starting point is 00:14:35 Creating a fusion of aromas that evokes the culinary traditions of the Benin Kingdom, pre-colonisation, trade was the heartbeat of Benin's thriving city. In 1490, Portuguese travellers arrived, drawn by Benin's rich cotton, leopard skins and palm oil. In return, they offered Sean. shining brass and copper arm rings. One beautiful commodity in exchange for another. The king at the time, Oba Ozalua, presumably welcomed these visitors. But later on in history, a darker story unfolded in the 19th century, Britain seeking control over West Africa, set its sights on Benin. Ober Oven Ramwan tried to protect his kingdom.

Starting point is 00:16:02 But in 1897, the British invaded, burning Benin city and looting the royal palace. The Oba was exiled, and the kingdom of Benin, once strong and proud, fell under British control. Becoming part of what came to be known as British Nigeria. Nigeria eventually reclaimed its independence in 1960, and while Benin city's royal past now resides in memory, Its legacy lives on in the vibrant markets and cultural traditions. On this street, where business bustles and artisans work with skill passed down through generations. The story of the Benin Kingdom's rise and fall remains.

Starting point is 00:17:19 A reminder of a realm that once glittered. with promise. As you wander through the market, the air hangs thick with the scent of roasted plantains, spices, and the earthy aroma of wet clay. You imagine that this is exactly how it smelt centuries ago. An invisible thread connecting past through present. You wonder how many plantain trees Trees witnessed the transformation of this former kingdom. And as you think of those trees, you wonder how many generations of children have clambered up them. Chatter offenders and the clamour of customers negotiating prices fills the atmosphere.

Starting point is 00:18:34 All around you, the iridescent colours of beads shimmer in the sunlight. pinks, lime greens, and ultramarine blues, catching your eye as they sway gently in the breeze. Like accidental wind chimes, the vendors call out to you, their voices carrying over the din as they invite you to admire their works. But it's something else that draws you in. Something small and unassuming, your gaze settles on a humble stall, where a man sits behind a wooden desk. His eyes warm and welcoming. Laid out before him is an array of cowrie shells, meticulously crafted into bangles, anklets, rings and necklaces, the creamy shells gleams softly. Their smooth, curved surfaces,

Starting point is 00:20:05 reflecting the light in a way that feels almost magical, intrigued. You meander up to his store, drawn in by the simplicity of its display. As you approach, the man greets you greet you with a smile. His voice deep and resonant, warm hello, he says. You return his greeting, and he gestures towards the cowrie shells, inviting you to take a closer look. These shells, he begins, are more than just adornments. They carry with them the weight of history, the stories of our ancestors. His words peak your curiosity, and you lean in, carefully picking up a bangle made of delicately strung cowrie shells. The shells are smooth to the touch and cool against your skin. You can't help but wonder about the journey they've taken to reach this

Starting point is 00:21:38 market stall. The man's eyes light up. as he sees your interest. Do you know, he says, there is an old Hauser proverb. Whoever is patient with a cowrie shall will one day have thousands of them. He pauses, letting the words sink in.

Starting point is 00:22:14 Then he continues. In a voice now tinged with reverence, he tells you that. for centuries, cowrie shells have been cherished in many African cultures. These shells have been used for everything, from jewelry and hair accessories, to ceremonial garments and religious rituals. Some even believe that the shells offer protection, that they can ward off evil spirits. As the man speaks, he gently takes the bangle from your hand, turning it over to reveal the shell's intricate markings. These shells, he tells you, were once so valuable that they were used as money.

Starting point is 00:23:24 In fact, they were so widespread as currency that the scientific name of the snail means the money cowrie. Imagine that, he muses. A hint of wonder in his voice. You nod, captivate it. The idea that these tiny ivory shells were once a means of trade, of survival, feels almost surreal. The man places the bangle back on the table, and you feel a spark of connection. not just to the shelves, but to the stories they hold, to the power something so small can possess. Without hesitation, you decide to buy one. The man's eyes soften with approval as you hand him the money, and in exchange he passes you the bangle with a slow, deliberate motion, as though in trusting you with something precious, you slip the bangle onto your wrist.

Starting point is 00:25:09 The cool shells brushing your skin as you walk away from the stall, the shells clink softly together. The sound delicate yet resonant, much like the man's voice, his words are linger in your mind, you feel a little more connected, a little more grounded. It's as though the bangle has anchored you to something deeper, an unbroken threat that stretches back through time, linking you to the people who once carried these shells as both currency and talisman, As you wander further, you come upon what many would call the crown jewels of Benin City. The Benin bronzes. These exquisite artifacts are housed in museums and galleries worldwide, with some displayed in

Starting point is 00:26:36 Benin City. In total, there are about 5,000 pieces, many of which were covered. created between the 13th and 16th centuries. In 1897, they were stolen from Benin City by the invading British troops. Some artifacts have since been returned to Nigeria. Today, each retrieved or repatriated bronze figure tells a tale of craftsmanship and ingenuity. Their Intricate details, a testament to the skill of the artisans who created them. But behind their beauty lies a darker history, one of colonization and exploitation, as these priceless treasures were looted from their rightful home and scattered across the globe.

Starting point is 00:27:58 a reminder of the complex legacy that defines this city. Your first destination to delve deeper into this history is the Benin City National Museum. The building is modest, but inside you find a collection of artifacts that offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the Kingdom of Benin, as you move through the exhibits, you're captivated by the craftsmanship of the objects on display. There are bronze plaques depicting scenes of court life, ivory carvings, and terracotta heads, with expressions both serene and regal. Each piece tells a story, not just of the people who made them, but of the society that valued such artistry. One plaque in particular draws your attention. It depicts a warrior, tall and imposing, his clat in a labrata armour, with a sword raised high,

Starting point is 00:29:40 his face is stern and his gaze unwavering. As if daring anyone who looks looks upon him to challenge his might. As you study the plaque, you can almost hear the clanging of metal, the rhythmic pounding of hammers on anvils, and the murmurs of apprentices learning the ancient craft. You imagine what life must have been like during the height of the Benin Kingdom. the warrior, marching through the city's streets, the cheers of the people, and the tension of an impending battle. The plaque is a window into an ancient time that feels immediate, almost tangible.

Starting point is 00:30:57 Everything truly seems to breathe, and as you continue on your journey, you carry with you a newfound appreciation for this city's cultural heritage. While you reflect on the past, you catch glimpses of the present, children playing in the streets, their laughter echoing off the wars, artisans at work, their skilled hands shaping clay and metal into works of art. and elders gathered under the shade of a jacaranda tree, sharing stories passed down through generations. Just a short walk from the museum lies the Ober's Palace, the historic residents of the Oba of Benin. Though reconstructed after the British invasion, the palace remains a powerful symbol of the kingdom's resilience and enduring heritage. The current ruler, Oba Iwari

Starting point is 00:32:36 the second, is the fortieth in a royal lineage that spans over a thousand years. As you draw nearer to the palace, you're struck by its majestic presence, the solemn guards standing at attention underscore the building's importance, reminding you of the legacy it represents. Inside the palace grounds, you find yourself in a space filled with various courtyards, shrines, and ceremonial buildings. The atmosphere is one of dignified solemnity, as if the very air is charged. with the presence of the ancestors, you can feel the weight of what came before here, the sense that this is a place where time moves differently, where the reverence for what came before, and the expectation

Starting point is 00:34:03 of what is still to come, coexist in a delicate balance. You are led to the main courtyard, where the obar occasionally holds audiences and conducts important ceremonies. The space is dominated by a large tree, its branches spreading wide, as if offering shelter to all who stand beneath it. You learn that this is a sacred tree, believed to be a link between the physical and spiritual all worlds. As you stand beneath the tree, your mind wanders to the stories you've heard about the obers of Benin. These rulers commanded not just respect, but awe. They were seen as divine figures, intermediaries between the gods and the people. Their authority, unquestionable.

Starting point is 00:35:28 you imagine what it must have been like to witness a royal ceremony, to see the oba in all his regalia, surrounded by his chiefs and courtiers, each one playing a role in the elaborate rituals that defined court life. The thought fills you with a sense of wonder. Next, you make your way to Egan Street. Home to the Guild of Bronze Castors. The street is a hub of activity, with artisans busy at work.

Starting point is 00:36:28 Their hands move with practised ease, as they shape molten metal into works of art. You're fascinated by the process, watching as the craft's life. men used techniques passed down through the generations. The air is filled with the sounds of hammers striking anvils, the hiss of metal as it cools, and the occasional crackle of a fire being stoked. It's a place where tradition is alive, where the past is not just remembered, but actively preserved. You strike up a conversation with one of the artisans. An elderly man whose hands are rough from years of labour

Starting point is 00:37:38 and whose eyes shine with pride. He speaks of the lineage of his craft. The practice used to be passed down through the family exclusively. But now they are keen for anyone to pick it up, for fear of it going extinct. The guild was established centuries ago by the Oba, who recognised the importance of the bronze casters in immortalising the achievements of the kingdom, as the artisan explains the process from the creation of the wax model to the final casting and polishing. You listen intently. It's a meticulous and time-consuming process, but the results are worth it.

Starting point is 00:38:55 You realize that the bronze casters are keepers of history. Their work ensuring that the legacy of the Benin Kingdom endures, you look up to the sky. It's a wash in deep oranges, soft pinks and fading indigo. Each colour blending seamlessly into the next, as the sun begins to set, casting. casting long shadows across the city, you decide to visit one final place. The moats of Benin, known locally as the Ea, these ancient earthworks were constructed around the city to defend against invaders. They demonstrate the engineering prowess of the Benin, of the Benin people. You've read about the moats, but seeing them in person is a different experience

Starting point is 00:40:20 entirely. The walls are massive, stretching for miles. Their sheer size, a reminder of the determination and skill that went into their construction. You walk along the edge of one of the moats, marveling at the depth of the trench and the height of the embankment. It's easy to imagine how daunting these defences must have seemed to anyone who sought to breach them as you stand there gazing out over the landscape. You're struck by a sense of awe and wonder. the city you've explored today is not just a collection of buildings and artifacts. It's a living, breathing entity, shaped by the hands of countless individuals over the centuries.

Starting point is 00:41:48 Every street, every building, every artifact you encounter is a testament to the enduring spirit of a people who have faced challenges. Yet remain proud of their heritage as you prepare to leave. You carry with you memories of the places you've seen and a deeper understanding of who and what shapes them, you turn your cowrie shell bangle around your wrist. It serves as a tangible reminder of the encounter, and as you move forward, you do so with the knowledge that you carry a piece of that history with you, hanging on your wrist like a quiet, enduring promise. Benin City is more than just a place. It's a story, a story that you've now become a part of.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Relaxing Journey through Benin City (Nigeria #2)

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