P’tites Annonces · BéninBenin

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Discover Benin

From the Gulf of Guinea to northern savannahs, Benin contains a diversity of languages and cultures, including Fon, Yoruba, Bariba and Dendi. Vodun traditions belong to particular communities and religious contexts rather than simply to familiar images of masks or ceremonies. The palaces of Abomey preserve material traces of the kingdom of Dahomey. Their decoration helps explain narratives connected with rulers and political authority. Gèlèdé, shared with communities in neighbouring countries, combines masks, songs and dancing within a practice of memory and social relationships. Textile workshops and contemporary arts extend this cultural plurality into different forms of creation. Cooking uses maize, yam, cassava and vegetables according to region. Amiwo, a seasoned maize preparation, accompanies dishes such as poultry. Tomato or leafy sauces bring additional flavours to thick grain preparations and roots. At reunions, portions and accompaniments made for guests turn the table into a setting for welcome and family transmission. What is served also reflects local agriculture and the choices of the person cooking.