NIGERIAN WEDDINGS: THE EDO TRIBE ~ Adex Fash

The Edo Tribe is located in the west part of Nigeria and like many cultures around Africa,the Edo wedding follows a similar route which includes performing the wedding in different stages which are introduction of the families, dowry collection and others. The modern day style of getting
married in the Edo tribe is completely different from the old ways, back then the sign of wanting a bride from a particular family was shown by sending log of wood or tubers of yam to the family of the bride. Now things are completely different as can be said about other cultures around Africa but one thing that still stands is that families carry out investigation to find out what type of family their children are getting married to because in Africa you don’t just marry a person but their entire family not literally but in context.

Edo Pride

Like a lot of events in Africa, the traditional wedding is a cultural and community event, as almost everybody in the community is invited to the event as traditional weddings are mostly open. The wedding includes drinking and dancing and from the bride, her sisters and later the bride and groom joined with the family members.

Edo Bride Dancing

The Edo brides are known for their intricate and sophisticated coral beaded bridal wear. The bride has on accessories that include a crown (okuku), earrings ( emi-ehorivie ) ankle bead bracelets, hand bead bracelets ( ivie-ebo ) waist beads, clutch (ekpa-ivie) , a poncho like beaded cape called ewu-ivienand so on, and they are one with so much intricate details. They go as far as having beads sewn to their hair.

The hair is ultimately the most important feature in their entire outlook, as the hair is referred to as the crown jewel of a woman. the hair is made into a high bun hairstyle referred to as Eto-Okuku. Then coral beads are sewn into the hair extensions in form of a crown which is known as okuku, although some brides don’t have beads sewn into their hair instead they purchase already made crowns with a mimic hair and all because the act of getting the okuku sewn is delicate and not just any one can perform the task. The coral beads accessories emphasizes the majestic outlook being portrayed by the brides.

Most brides go with all round bead attire which include shoes, but a lot of other brides incorporate other fabrics like embellished velvet, george, lace, Indian lace and so on.

Here are some Edo bridal attire.

Edo Bride Adorned In Complete Coral