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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 lamps. Wicker baskets and mats can be found throughout Benin, especially in Abomey, Porto Novo, and Comé (near Ouidah).