The Amulets of the Amazons of Ouidah: Heritage and Restitution in Benin

The Amulets of the Amazons of Ouidah: Heritage and Restitution in Benin

The amulets of the Amazons of Ouidah, known as bo des agoojiée, represent far more than mere museum artifacts. These objects, preserved at the musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac, are at the heart of a profound reflection on the masculine and colonial domination that influenced the constitution of museum collections, as well as on the contemporary dynamics of cultural restitution.

A Forgotten War and the Gathering of Amulets

The story of these amulets begins during the forgotten war of 1890. This tumultuous period was marked by conflicts that led to the collection of these precious objects, symbols of power and protection of the Amazons of Abomey. These warrior women, or agoojiiée, were not only formidable fighters; they also embodied a subversion of gender, defying the masculine norms of their time.

From Exhibition to Restitution

The amulets crossed the seas, moving from battlefields to museum exhibitions. Their journey testifies to the complex relationships between former colonies and Western cultural institutions. Today, the restitution of these objects raises crucial questions about the recognition and appreciation of African heritage. By returning these artifacts, it is not only about giving back objects but also about restoring the knowledge and memories associated with the current queens and Amazons of Abomey.

The Power of Matrimoines

This research highlights the importance of reconsidering heritage issues through the prism of matrimoines. The knowledge and powers of the agoojiée are not merely relics of the past; they are living elements of Benin's contemporary cultural identity. By reintegrating these amulets into their original context, we acknowledge the continuity and vitality of these feminine traditions.

Conclusion: A Heritage to Rediscover

Through the analysis of the amulets of the Amazons of Ouidah, this study paves the way for a broader reflection on the role of museums and collections in the preservation and restitution of cultural heritage. Objects are not mere witnesses of the past; they are vectors of memory and knowledge that continue to influence the present. Ultimately, the restitution of the agoojiée amulets is a fundamental step towards the recognition and celebration of women's contributions to the history and culture of Benin.

Academic Reference & Citation

If you wish to cite this research in an academic context, please use the following reference:

Saskia Cousin, Sara Tassi, Madina Yêhouétomé. Les amulettes des amazones. Le retour d’un matrimoine oublié ?. Politique africaine, 2022, n° 165 (1), pp.187-220. ⟨10.3917/polaf.165.0187⟩. ⟨hal-04425327⟩

Summary and adaptation proposed by Ouidah Origins.

Related Pillars & Further Reading

Explore on Ouidah Origins: The Portuguese Fort · The Sacred Forest

External sources:

• Wikipedia: Dahomey Amazons
• Quai Branly Museum