Restitution of works in Benin: in Abomey, the descendants of King Béhanzin are delighted
Half-man, half-fish statue of King Béhanzin, at the Quai Branly museum, October 26, 2021 (Image illustration).
REUTERS - PASCAL ROSSIGNOL
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
The act of transfer of works that France returns to Benin was signed this Tuesday, November 9 at the Elysee Palace in the presence of Presidents Emmanuel Macron and Patrice Talon.
These 26 pieces had been looted in 1892 by Colonel Alfred Dodds during the sack of the Abomey Palace.
King Béhanzin will be taken prisoner some time later by the French.
How do his descendants react to the signing of the deed of transfer of works?
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From our special
correspondent in Abomey
,
Pierre Firtion
Abomey, royal city, with its red earth and its palaces, including that of Béhanzin.
Béhanzin is the king whose 26 works were looted almost 129 years ago by Colonel Alfred Dodds.
Collecting these unique pieces, real pieces of history, is necessarily a special moment for three of the king's descendants that we have met today.
“
It's very important to us.
The feeling that drives us is a feeling of joy,
”says one of them.
“
Today we are happy.
There is a fon adage which goes: "
When people steal your sheep, and if at least you manage to have the viscera, be satisfied with that, be happy
"
, said another.
"The main thing is the reed and the throne"
The latter is of course eager to discover the half-man, half-fish statue of King Béhanzin, but he is also impatiently awaiting other works.
“
The main thing with us is the bowl, the throne.
The two elements even represent the king.
As soon as I do, for example, the king's recade, come on, I even have to kneel down, bow down.
It is true, it has been desecrated, it is desecrated, but there are ceremonies that the king can perform or purify.
So, the throne, the recade, both are capital
!
"
Some descendants of King Béhanzin will be present this Wednesday, October 10 in Cotonou to celebrate the return of the works.
The others will celebrate, in Abomey, in music, in front of the museum.
Its surroundings were cleaned for the occasion by the town hall.
► See also: Restitution of works in Benin, the deed of transfer of ownership signed at the Élysée
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