Masques sacrés d’origine goun. De façon littérale, ce concept signifie « gardien de nuit » (République du Bénin, 13), « zan » signifiant « nuit » et « bétɔ » signifiant « gardien de nuit. » Dans leur communauté, les Zangbétɔ jouent un rôle fondamental, en ce qu’ils contribuent à maintenir l’ordre et la discipline chez les citoyens. « Le Zangbétɔ est un gardien invisible qui patrouille dans les rues des quartiers agissant comme une présence dissuasive contre les malfaiteurs » (République du Bénin, 13).
De façon générale, les Zangbétɔ ne se présentent que la nuit. Cependant, il peut arriver qu’à certaines périodes de l’année, ils sortent pendant la journée. Ils sont animés par des Vodun qui sont à l’origine de leurs différents mouvements, danses, pirouettes, et paroles. Les Zangbétɔ ne sortent jamais seuls, mais sont toujours accompagnés de percussionnistes initiés appelés Ahouanto et du guide du Vodun Sihounto, lequel comprend la langue du Vodun et sert d’interprète.
Sacred masks of Goun origin. Literally, Zangbétɔ means “night watchman” (République du Bénin, 13), “zan” meaning “night” and “gbétɔ” meaning “night watchman.”
Zangbétɔ play a fundamental role in their community, helping to maintain order and discipline among citizens. “The Zangbétɔ is an invisible guardian who patrols the streets of neighborhoods acting as a deterrent presence against wrongdoers” (République du Bénin, 13).
Usually, the Zangbétɔ only appear at night, though they may also come out during the day for certain ceremonies. They are animated by Vodun spirits who are responsible for their various movements, dances, pirouettes, and words. The Zangbétɔ never go out alone, but are instead always accompanied by initiated percussionists called Ahouanto and the Vodun guide, Sihounto, who acts as an interpreter of the Vodun language.
République du Bénin. Abécédaire des Voduns days. Ouidah, 2024.
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