The Village of Umuofia

This is a picture of the music going on in Umuofia. Placing this image on the Village Portal allows me to get a true understanding of the wrestling matches and meetings in Things Fall Apart. I always had my own picture in my head. However, this picture wraps it up and of course.... I WAS RIGHT!

I don't know if everyone has seen a greek probate before... but the way that the onlookers are gathered in a circle reminds me of a calmer version of a probate. In pertaining to the wrestling matches, I find that America's wrestling matches are setup the same way. The only contrast is that we sit in chairs and are pushed back further than the villagers in Umuofia.

It amazes me how the villagers can sit so peacefully without having a gate or some kind of baracade to keep them away from the wrestlers. In America, that is simply impossible. The Umuofia villagers have so much respect for the 'performers'. NOT IN AMERICA!!!!!!!!!

The Benin Empire (1440-1897) is not to be confused with the Afican country Benin. Instead, it was a large pre-colonial African state of Modern. The Bini are the original people within the empire and they were ruled by the Ogisos (the kings of the Sky). There were 36 Ogiso's and during the reign of the last Ogiso, his son,, Ekaladerhan was banished. He traveled to Youruba and gainged the title of Ooni of Ife, which he caged to 'Izoduwa' (which means "I have chosen the path of prosperity). After the death of his father, the Benin chiefs traveled to Yoruba to ask him to return and become the next King. However, he declined and decided to send his son Oranyan. Oranyan had reigned in Benin for soe years but went back to Yoruba in anger and called Benin 'Ile Ibinu' ('land of annoyance and veexation). The former name of Ile Ibinu later became known as Ubini and the Portuguese corrupted the name and it finally became Benin or Bini. By the 1440s an oba by the name of Oba Ewuare began to be king and made the city into an empire. He named it Edo around 1470.

During the Golden Age, Oba Ewuare was know for turning the Benin Empire into a military fortress that was protected by moats and walls. With the Benin Empire gaining such strength, the Edos were able to expand through the east and southwestern Nigeria (modern day Benin Republic), Togo, and Ghana. The Kingdom of Benin developed an advanced artistic culture for its bronze, iron, and ivory artifacts.

The Portuguese came to Benin in 1485 and quickly began to start a European trade of tropical products and slaves in exchange gor European guns and goods. In 1953, the first English traveled to Benin. It was then that the Benin Empire and the Portuguese established a strong trade of: 20% Ivory, 30% Slaves, and 50% other things.

The Benin city and empire declined after 1700, but was able to rise again through the trading of palm oil, enslaved captives, and textiles. In order to preserve its independence, the Oba slowly began to ban the export of goods from Benin until only palm oil could be traded. In 1897, the British took a 'Punitive Expedition' to Benin, because the Benin Emmpire refused to sign a treaty with Great Britain. Therefore, the British force captured and burned the city.

Who Am I?

The first thing that people want to know when they first meet you is who are you. They want to know just about everything possible about you. Well...

For starters, my name is Shavonne A. Hunt, I am from Chicago, IL and I will be 21 years old on November 6th. I am doing a dual major in both Dance and Business Management at Western Michigan University. I am currently living in a two bedroom apartment with one of my best friends in the whole entire world. When I am not in school, I am either at work at the mall (which by the way, I just got a promotion) or at practice for one of the three groups that I'm in. These dance groups are: Ebony Vision, Hip Hop Connxion- The Rhythmic Soul Project, and the newest group Enigma.

I have an older brother and an older sister. A lot of people say that my sister and I look alike, but of course I definitely do not believe them. My parents are happily married. I also have three nieces and two nephews. My family is very close so we constantly interact with each other on just about everything. My friends and family would probably say that I am goofy, fun, determined, entertaining, sassy, and on a good day fashionista (not all the time though, sometimes it get pretty rough.

For fun, I like to dance, dance, and dance. I also enjoy being around my family and friends and going home to visit. My favorite places to go are the clubs, get togethers, movies, studio, amusement parks... you name and I love to do it. I plan on taking three trips this year. The first is to New York, the date is t.b.a. but my friends and I are thinking more towards before Christmas. The second is to either Florida or Vegas for Spring Break. The third will be to L.A. for Debbie Allen's summer intensive.

Well, that is my life in a nutshell. But, just in case anybody has any other questions to ask me... feel free to do so... Muah!!!!