Benin - What You Need to Know

     

The area that Benin occupies in Northwest Africa today has undergone many changes over the past few centuries. From the 17th to the 19th century, a few different political groups claimed territory in this region including the Kingdom of Dahomey and the Kingdom of Porto-Novo. France colonized this territory in the late 19th century giving it the name French Dahomey. Eventually in 1960, the citizens gained independence from France one August 1st 1960 which is now celebrated as a National holiday. 

Today, Benin is a culturally diverse county made up of multiple ethnic groups that each speak their own language including Fon, Aja, and Yoruba. The official capital of Benin is Porto-Novo, but its largest and most vibrant city is Cotonou which can be found right on the coast. This city boasts many popular restaurants and cafes as well as a vibrant nightlife.  

A Vegetable Inspired Cuisine 

Beninese cuisine is known for its use of corn flour, peanut and tomato sauces, as well yams in Northern Benin. Corn flour is used to make many different types of doughs and pastries including Djèwo when the flour is mixed with seasonings and served with tomatoes, green peppers, and meat such as chicken or guinea fowl. Yams are also used in creative ways such as Fufu which is a mashed yam dish and Igname pilée which is made of pounded yams that are formed into a ball. Igname pilée is best when eaten immediately after preparation and it is often dipped in peanut sauce and served with beef or chicken. 

For dessert, one of the most popular dishes is Yovo doko, a sweet fritter pastry that is topped with a generous heap of powdered sugar. Its name translates to European Pastry because of its similarities to the French beignet pastry popular in New Orleans. 

Contemporary Art Hub

Beginning in the 1990s, Benin has become known on an international level for its contemporary artwork. Many of the artists who have found success pay homage to Beninese culture and traditions in their work while employing innovative methods and materials. A notable example is Cyprien Tokoudagba who was known for his large paintings on walls and ceiling that depicted imagery from the history of Benin and Vodun spirituality. In 1989 he created a series of canvas paintings that combined elements of the Four Seasons with traditional Benin symbols and imagery. This series went on to be displayed in the Centre Pompidou in Paris! 

Another great example is Georges Adéagbo who used found objects he found on walks throughout Benin to create avant-garde installations. It was a Parisian curator who first admired Adéagbo’s creations which were initially misunderstood by the public. In 1999 he even received the jury award at the Venice Biennale art festival. Younger artists have taken inspiration from this wave of artists and continue to gain international recognition for their work.