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The Role of Obas in the Kingdom of Benin

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

A source analysis worksheet exploring the role and significance of Obas in the Kingdom of Benin through primary source examination.

Topics covered:

#History
#History
#Kingdom of Benin
#Standard
#Source Analysis (Text)
#Obas
#Explain the role of Obas in Benin society
#Compare different perspectives on the Oba's power
#Analyse the reliability of primary sources about Benin

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The Role of Obas in the Kingdom of Benin

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Source Analysis: The Oba of Benin

Source A: The Authority of the Oba

"The Oba is the supreme ruler, considered to be a divine monarch chosen by the ancestors. His word is law, and he is responsible for both the spiritual and political well-being of the kingdom. The Oba is revered by his people, who believe he possesses the power to communicate with the divine realm and ensure the prosperity of Benin. His court is filled with courtiers and priests who assist in religious and administrative duties. The Oba’s authority is reinforced through elaborate ceremonies, artwork, and the display of wealth, which symbolize his divine right to rule. Historically, the Oba’s power was absolute, and he was seen as the intermediary between the ancestors, gods, and the people, maintaining order and tradition in Benin society." Provenance: Chief Historian, Benin Cultural Archives, 1980, report on traditional leadership roles.

B

Questions

1.
What does Source A tell us about the authority of the Oba in Benin? (3 marks)
[3 marks]
2.
Outline the purpose of the source. What does the historian aim to show about the Oba? (4 marks)
[4 marks]
3.
Compare the source with what you already know about monarchs in other societies. How is the Oba’s role similar or different? (5 marks)
[5 marks]
4.
Explain how the source helps us understand the importance of religion and tradition in Benin. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
5.
Analyse the reliability of Source A. What are its strengths and limitations as a historical source? (6 marks)
[6 marks]
6.
Compare how the source describes the Oba with your own knowledge or other sources about leadership in Benin. What similarities or differences can you identify? (5 marks)
[5 marks]
7.
Summarize what we learn about the Oba from this source. Why was the Oba so important in Benin society? (4 marks)
[4 marks]
8.
Explain why understanding the role of the Oba helps us learn about Benin’s history and culture. (4 marks)
[4 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet
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