"It is an immense pride, it is our greatness which was taken away from us and which we find today", says very moved Abdou Malehossou, who came to discover for the first time the 26 treasures returned in November by France to Benin. , exhibited from Sunday 20 February in Cotonou.

For "this historic day", this 32-year-old Beninese came with his two-year-old daughter, to see and "learn with the family this story that we do not know", the one before colonization, he says.

These 26 treasures had been looted in 1892 by French colonial troops in the kingdom of Dahomey, in the center-south of present-day Benin, then composed of several kingdoms.

Still held 129 years later by France, these works, some of which are sacred, were finally returned last November to Benin, after more than two years of negotiations between Paris and Cotonou.

"It's your heritage"

Three rooms with huge walls painted black, like a casket giving them a solemn character, welcome the treasures. 

As soon as they enter, Beninese face the ceremonial throne of King Ghézo (1797-1818), a majestic wooden sculpture almost two meters high, surmounted by a curved tablet.

Students by the dozens, couples who came with their children respectfully place themselves in an arc facing the throne, before one of the exhibition mediators urges them to approach. 

"Don't be afraid, it's your heritage," he tells them. 

It does not take more for visitors to appropriate it.

Some almost stick their faces to the window to scrutinize its incredible Afro-Brazilian patterns carved into the wood.

Others challenge each other to come and stand on this or that side and admire it from all angles.

Everyone takes their picture with him.

In front of each window, from the half-man, half-lion statue of King Glèlè to the gates of the royal palace, emotion and above all pride can be read on the faces.    

"It is an honor that these works are the heritage of all Beninese, and not just the descendants of the kings of Abomey," Cosme Houegbe Lo Béhanzin, great grandson of King Béhanzin, told AFP. half-man, half-shark is also on display.

With AFP

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