Benin Heritage Collection

A scented candle range and merchandise collection inspired by the iconic artefacts of the Benin Kingdom — illustrated by designer Rachel Carroll for Bibianna, and rooted in the cultural legacy of the Edo people.

In 2021 we began the Bibianna brand with a question: how do you bring the artistry and heritage of the Benin Kingdom into a modern home? The answer became a quiet, considered range of candles wrapped in four illustrated characters — each lifted from a historical Benin artefact, each carrying its own meaning.

The four characters

The Benin Cat — our brand mark. Two stylised cylindrical brass cats nose-to-nose. The watchful familiar at the heart of the Bibianna identity.

The Benin Leopards (Ẹkpẹn) — paired with our Cinnamon & Orange candle. The king of the forest in Edo culture, hunted only by elite warriors known as Iviekpen. A profound symbol of royal authority, courage, strength, and wisdom. Cinnamon and orange — fire and warmth — match the fierce spirit of the leopard.

The Benin Queen Bronze Head — paired with our Bergamot & Musk candle. Cast in bronze to honour past monarchs, placed at the heart of royal shrines. A symbol of character, destiny, and enduring legacy. Bergamot and musk speak to the trade routes of the Benin Empire and the depth of the royal lineage.

The Benin Hip Mask — paired with our Coconut & Lime candle. Carved from ivory, adorned with a human face, European figures and decorative lattice work; worn during important ceremonies as part of the royal regalia. Iron and copper alloy inlays speak to the cultural exchange that flowed through Benin's interactions with European traders.

Each candle is hand-poured in the UK using natural rapeseed wax and finished with a cotton wick. Approximately 35–40 hours burn time. Packaged in an elegant glass jar and adorned with one of the four illustrations.

The candles introduced the characters. The full Benin Heritage range will carry them further — into greeting cards, tea towels, totes, cushions and prints — bringing the artistry of the Edo people into more homes.

— Caroline Forshaw, Founder