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Our patchwork items have been made by Bokossa Geamen in Benin.
Textiles of the kings of Dahomey
The colourful handmade patchwork textiles that can be found in modern Benin represent a tradition that goes back to the 17th century. The animals and other figures on them are the official symbols of the kings of the Fon state of Dahomey (1620–1900). All appliqué work was done by a restricted guild in Abomey and their work included ceremonial cloth caps, hammocks, and state umbrellas, as well as flags and banners.
Prince Gagni Xesu (1620) is symbolised by a bird and a drum. The bird, called Saswé is known for its greediness. Just like the prince, it will leave nothing to others.
King Dako Donu (1620–1645) is represented by a jar of indigo and flint and steel. One day, Dako Donu took his enemy Aîzo by surprise when he was preparing indigo dye. After killing him, he put the body in the indigo jar and rolled it away.
King Hwegbeadja (1645–1680) is represented by a fish and a fyke net. As a prince, he once avoided a trap which had been set for him. Proverb: “The fish that refuses the net will not enter”.
King Akaba (1685–1708) can be referred to by a picture of a chameleon or a wild boar. The chameleon stands for slowness, which is related to King Akaba’s long wait for the throne to be vacated.
The ship stands for King Agadja (1708 – 1732), as it was under his rule that the kingdom came into contact with with the Europeans, who arrived on caravel ships.
King Tegbesu (1732–1789) is represented by a buffalo wearing a tunic. The proverb “'Once a buffalo is dressed it is very difficult to undress him” refers to the story according to which Tegbesu's enemies put an herbal potion that would cause severe itching on the royal costume, so when he put it on he would have to remove it immediately. This would have led to an on-the-spot selection of a new king. Warned in time, Tegbesu took the necessary precautions.
The symbol of King Kpengla (1774–1789) either a bird or a flintlock gun, related to his military campaigns. With the aid of his Amazon army, he extended the empire into present-day Togo.
King Agonglo’s (1789–1797 ) symbol is the pineapple, which stands for prudence. He was the first of the Dahomeyan king to marry a European woman.
King Gezo (1818-1858) is represented by a buffalo. Ghezo ascended to the throne after he overthrew his brother, Adandozan, in a coup d'état. The traditional stories state that Adandozan was a cruel ruler, who raised hyenas to which he would throw live subjects for amusement. He is never included in the Dahomey appliqués.
King Glele’s (1858-1889) symbol is the lion.
King Gbehen Asin (1889-1894) is represented by a shark and an egg. The proverb: “The world has produced an egg the weight of which can be felt only by the earth”, refers to the fact that much was expected of him when he took over the throne. He was successful in battles against the French, but was finally defeated in 1894.
The last of the Dahomey kings, Agoli-Agbo (1894–1900) is represented by a leg kicking a rock, a bow (a symbol of the return to traditional weapons under the new rules established by the colonial administrators), and a broom.
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