[2] Tourists, art dealers, and collectors routinely visit Igun Street to observe the comprehensive process involved in crafting these objects.
[3] Igun-Eronmwon Quarters was established during the second Ogisoship period of the first Benin royal dynasty by Ogiso Ere (16 – 66 A.D).
During the reign of Oba Esigie (1504 – 1550), bronze casting evolved into elaborate art forms such as plaques, which served religious, record-keeping, and commercial purposes.
Oba Esigie solidified the trade monopoly of the Guild of Benin Royal Bronze Casters, designating quarters specifically for them.
[7] In 1914, when the Benin throne was restored to Eweka II, Oba Ovonramwen’sfirst son, some of the craftsmen who had fled during the war returned, and the quarters were moved to Igun Street.
[11] The Inneh N’Igun-Ẹrọnmwọn serves as the head of the guild, responsible for safeguarding the art of bronze casting in Benin.
Only descendants of the original seven families from Igun Street have the privilege to practice as Benin bronze and brass casters.