Benin Art & Culture : People : Art & Culture

People
For many visitors, the rich cultural diversity of Benin's people is one of the country's most interesting attractions. Benin's population of approximately 6.5 million is made up of over twenty different socio-cultural groups, each having a distinct history, language, and traditions. What remains constant among all of Benin's people, however, is friendliness and hospitality. The remarkable openness and warmth with which the people welcome strangers and engage them in conversation allow visitors to experience Beninese culture on a very personal level. Whether bargaining with vendors in the busy Abomey market or visiting the famous "tata somba" homes of the Betamaribé people in the North, some of the most memorable experiences from any visit to Benin will surely come from the local people.

The South
The largest socio-cultural groups in the South are the Fon and Yoruba. Over half of Benin's people are Fon, and the Fon language is the predominant local language in most of the South, although there are many slight variations. Goun, for example, is very close to Fon, as the Goun people, who are concentrated in the Southeast, near Porto Novo, are closely related to the Fon. The Adja people make up another group closely related to the Fon; they are concentrated in the Southwest, near the city of the same name.

Historically, the Fon were one of the most powerful civilizations in West Africa. It was the Fon who built the kingdom of Dahomey, which dominated much of present-day Benin before colonization by the French. A visit to Abomey is the best way to learn more about the Fon, as Abomey was the capital of the Dahomey kingdom and is still one of the centers of the Fon. There, you can visit Dahomey's palace ruins as well as the Museum of History, which is a United Nations World Heritage site because of its historical and cultural importance.

The Yoruba are concentrated in the southeastern and central regions of Benin. Akin to the famous Yoruba people of Nigeria, they make up 12% of Benin's population.

The North
The largest cultural groups in the North are the Bariba, Dendi, and Betamaribé or "Somba" people. The Bariba originated in the northern part of Nigeria and are most concentrated in the northeast region of Benin, around the city of Nikki. While they are mostly farmers and shepherds, the Bariba are especially known for their bright, colorful cloth designs which are woven by the women and used to make traditional clothing. The largest and most notable Bariba celebration is the annual Gaani Feast in Nikki.
The Dendi are most concentrated in the northwest of Benin, between Parakou and Natitingou. They are believed to have migrated from the ancient empire of Mali before settling in Benin. They are mostly farmers, and they also breed cattle which they put in the custody of the nomadic Fulani. The Fulani (or Peulh) people are common throughout the North of Benin and are most often seen during the dry season, when they travel with their cattle in search of water.

The last main group in the North is the Betamaribé or "Somba" people, who are concentrated in the Atacora mountains in the northwest of Benin. This group is particularly known for the unique architectural style of their "tata somba" houses, which resemble small castles. These houses, along with some of the most beautiful scenery in Benin, can best be viewed in the mountains around Natitingou, Boukoumbé, and Tanguieta.

Main socio-cultural groups of Benin by region:
Southwest (Mono department): Adja, Ouatchi, Gen, Houeda, Houla
South (Atlantique department): Fon, Aizo, Toli, Toffin
Southeast (Ouémè department): Goun, Yoruba Center (Zou department): Yoruba, Fon, Mahi
North and Northeast (Borgou department): Batombu, Dendi, Fulbe
Northwest (Atakora department): Betamaribe, Waaba, Yowa

Art, Music, and Dance

If art is the living expression of a people, then few are more expressive than the people of Benin. You won't need to spend long in any part of Benin to appreciate the local artisan crafts and the cultural importance of music and dance. Even in the current era of technological progress and modernization, these forms of traditional expression continue to thrive in Benin.

Arts & Crafts
Local artisans produce a wide array of handicrafts. Although the materials used vary greatly, each craft has centuries of tradition and history behind it. Most Beninese artisans inherited their trade to continue producing the same crafts their families have produced for many generations. Thus, for many visitors, shopping for art and handicrafts in Benin is the most fun and interesting way to learn about the rich history and culture of the people. And, of course, you will end up with beautiful souvenirs to take home!

The Center for Artisan Promotion in Cotonou is the largest place to shop for such souvenirs, and there you will find crafts from all over Benin. Here is a brief summary of the major kinds of crafts produced, as well as where you will find them outside Cotonou :

Wood Sculpture
Wood sculpture is the most prevalent and historically significant type of handicraft in Benin. The sculpture tradition began during the kingdom of Dahomey, producing the thrones of the Abomey kings, the doors of ancient palaces, and especially the mysterious and sacred Guèlèdè masks. These decorative masks, which are of Yoruba origin, are still used today in traditional ceremonies. Other sculpted wood crafts found throughout Benin include statues and figurines, stools, and elegantly decorated tables and armchairs. Allada, Abomey, Cové, and Gbanamé are considered the centers of wood sculpture in Benin.

Cloth
The rich traditions and folklore of the people of Benin are depicted vividly in colorful tapestries and woven fabrics. In the South, you can find woven items from tablecloths and clothing to handbags and even hammocks. The most unique aspect of weaving in the South is the frequent depiction of animals symbolizing the ancient kings of Dahomey. The weaving centers in the South are Abomey and Toffo (near Allada). Woven cloth in the north is of especially high quality, as superior threads from Burkina Faso are often used, and the Bariba people are known for their bright, colorful patterns. The weaving centers in the North include Nikki, Bembereke, and Natitingou.
In addition to woven cloth, the traditional tapestries of Abomey are one of Benin's most popular crafts. During the reign of the kings of Dahomey, only the king's craftsmen were permitted to make tapestries depicting the symbols of the kings. Today, descendants of the kings' craftsmen continue to make the same tapestries, which display the 12 symbols of Dahomey as well as other symbols associated with traditional folklore.

Leather and Jewelry
Leather bags made in northern cities such as Djougou and Boukoumbé are among Benin's most popular crafts. Many leather craftsmen in the North make custom order bags using American and European designs. In the South, animal skins are used with wood to make decorative drums or "tam-tams." These are used in many traditional ceremonies and dances and can be easily found in Porto Novo, Comé, and Abomey.

Metal crafts and jewelry can be found in Benin as well. In the South, you will find bracelets, rings, and statues made from nickel, copper, and bronze in most city markets. In the North, these items as well as aluminum swords and even some silver jewelry can be found in such cities as Parakou, Djougou, and Nikki.

Pottery and Baskets
There are many types of pottery, baskets, and related crafts made in Benin, and a wide variety of materials are used. Clay pottery can be found in the South in Porto Novo and Abomey and in the North in Tourou (near Parakou) and Tanougou (near Natitingou). In the North, bowls and plates are also made from a large gourd called calebasse. In the South, this same gourd is hollowed and dried to make items as diverse as drinking cups and decorative lam