Western Africa

Benin

Art Makers (17)

Art Spaces (3)

After being transformed into the largest supplier of human slaves, Benin was once a great African kingdom. The arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century marked the fall of one of Africa’s most powerful territories, while tens of thousands of people were being deported at a time and Benin’s waterfront earned the name “Slave Coast”. In 1872, the country was colonized by the French and it became known by the name Dahomey. After the decolonization movements, Dahomey became a self-governing state and in 1960 it finally gained full independence. However, several military coups determined the post decolonization period. The last of these uprisings resulted in a strict Marxist government which soon became an oppressive dictatorship that ended in 1990 when the new Republic of Benin held its first free and fair elections. Today, democracy is still the dominant political system and Benin is one of the most politically stable regions in West Africa. Although, the country’s economy is still severely underdeveloped. Benin’s culture is extremely heterogeneous, due to geographic factors, to different ethnic groups – be it Fon, Yoruba, or Edo – and to a strong impact from colonialism. With strong religious roots to inform most of the traditions, Benin’s culture is certainly one of the most unique and interesting in Africa, strongly influenced by the Voodoo religion, whose syncretism spills over on many aspects of culture. Some 60 percent of Beninese follow this religion – which is still found here in its purest form and decreed an official religion by the government. Artistic traditions in Benin are very ancient. Benin is especially known for its oral history traditions and for its distinct craftsmanship, especially wood carving, weaving, and brass casting, producing the famous ‘Benin bronzes’ made to decorate the palace of the Oba. Music has the greatest importance in the country. The drumming sounds can be heard at most festivals and religious events as a way to express religious fervor.