LIONS AND THE PALACE OF KING DAKODONOU

A lion (cage), the proud Saddam, on the one hand, and a legend that travels, King Dakodonou, on the other. The lion, already appreciated for his reproductive talent, is also for his urine, harvested by the king's spokesman and village leader, who is also traditional healer, to make potions, which this extremely pleasant man holds only the secret. In this wild lower yard with cages unfortunately often too stretched (others are built, where there are no longer "than" bars), there is also a jackal and a few caïmans. All these animals come from neighbouring Niger.

However, the most interesting visit is that of the palace of King Dakodonou I king of Dahomey (1620-1645). Part of the buildings are being rehabilitated, while the one where the king lives is only available after many sacrifices and ceremonies (because, remember, a king does not die, he disappears or travels). Walking barefoot through the history of this palace, is tantamount to returning to the origin of the kings of Dahomey, since Houébadja, whose museum of Abomey is the best known, was only one of the sons of Dakodonou, whose number of women and children was incalculable…

However, the centrepiece of this visit is the circular box containing historical treasures: in the centre, a well surrounded by raffia houses the king's "dormitory"; All around you can see objects of voodoo worship, such as this-year-old string, which will have mystical features added to the legend, these bœuf beef skulls, or genuine slave handcuffs… Attention, just like everywhere else in the palace, you have to leave this box by following the path by which you've gone, if not station to royal anger.