Espèce végétale qui a un caractère sacré principalement dans la région du Sud du Bénin. C’est un arbre vénéré et majoritairement intégré dans les rituels et les cérémonies en rapport avec le Vodun. En Fɔ̀ngbè et Goungbé, il est désigné sous le terme de Loko. Entouré d’un tissu blanc symbolisant la pureté et protegé par une interdiction formelle de l’abattre, il représente également une divinité à laquelle sont faites des offrandes pour demander la protection, pour obtenir un bien matériel, ou pour tout autre besoin à la suite d’une prescription par le Fâ, après une consultation chez un bokɔnɔ.
Species of plant considered sacred in Benin, particularly in the southern region. The Iroko tree is revered, and is often used in rituals and ceremonies connected with Vodun. In Fɔ̀ngbè and Goungbé, it is called Loko. Surrounded by a white cloth symbolising purity and formally protected from being felled, it also represents a deity to whom offerings are made in order to ask for protection, to obtain material goods, or for any other need following a prescription by the Fâ, after consultation with a bokɔnɔ. An Iroko can often be found in squares or Vodun temples because of its sacred nature.
A person whose role is to be a historian, storyteller, poet and musician. They ensure the transmission of culture and oral history by preserving the m...
Originellement issu du Fɔ̀ngbè, le terme désigne un autel portatif fait de métal principalement, et réalisé pour commémorer un-e défunt-e qui, de son ...
Bracelet whose name means “metal of the Tchamba,” the tchambaga symbolizes the iron shackles of enslaved people and is used to contact ancestors, as w...
Protective amulet common in Togo and other parts of West Africa in various forms. The term gris-gris is apparently more widespread for protective amul...
Tea prepared on the ground in a teapot and served in cups. This way of making tea has its roots in the Arab world.
Traditional Senegalese dish with fish, rice, and vegetables. In 2021, the dish was classed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
Porridge made with 'Sunguf' cereal flour, such as millet. The term Sunguf is also used to refer to any kind of flour.
Animist people from the Kédougou region (South-East Senegal). Their religion is subject to stereotypes, as is the case for other religions, such as Vo...
Square cap worn by men and women alike. This word, of North African origin, is rejected by certain Senegalese socio-cultural groups, who use Mbakhana*...
Conical straw hat often used by Fulani people when accompanying their herds.