Akobi

Fishermen and trap at Olokemeji. 1910, Source: Nigeria Nostalgia

Akobi is the conical shape basket used for shrimp fishing in Iddo Island from the 16th Century circa. Akobi is usually made with strips of bamboo tree. When not in use, they are dried on rows of stakes on the lagoon. Lagos myth has it that Benin soldiers during their first military campaign retreated on sighting Akobi baskets which looked from a distance like men standing on a row on water.

Contributor:
Tope Apoola
Profession: Writer