Room IV · 4 of 7 on the tour

Spiritualities

One of the most venerated vodun lands in Benin, Savalou is also a land of religious coexistence. From the Dankoli fetish to the rites of the Fa, this room approaches the sacred with respect for ritual prohibitions: nothing will be shown here without the agreement of the traditional authorities.

Room texts

What you should know

Provisional texts based on the project presentation document (v3.2) — awaiting approval by the royal court and the town hall of Savalou.

Dankoli: the wish and the debt

About five kilometres from the centre of Savalou, on the Bantè road, the Dankoli fetish is one of the most venerated vodun sites in Benin. Materialised by a trunk covered with wooden stakes, nails and offerings, it has drawn believers and travellers since the 18th century: anyone may make a wish there after a libation, on condition of returning to fulfil offerings once the wish is granted. On 10 January, Benin's national vodun day, Dankoli becomes the stage for exceptional public rituals.

Showing without betraying

Some objects and some rites cannot be shown. This room is built with the traditional authorities: every content is submitted for their approval, and the museum is committed to strictly respecting ritual prohibitions. What is presented here is presented with the agreement of those who are its guardians.

The works

What this room will present

The pieces are being collected, researched or reviewed by the royal court and the town hall — each label below awaits its work.

Awaiting approval

01 · Vodun site

The Dankoli fetish

On the Bantè road, a trunk covered with stakes, nails and offerings has drawn believers and travellers since the 18th century: anyone may make a wish there after a libation, on condition of returning to fulfil it. On 10 January, the rituals become public.

Bantè road

360° panorama (subject to authorisation) · notice FR/EN

Under research

02 · Divinatory knowledge

The Fa

An art of divination and transmitted wisdom, the Fa governs many of life's decisions. Savalou's hunting and Fa museum keeps its instruments and signs.

Hunting and Fa museum

Photographs · notice FR/EN · Fon audio

To be collected

03 · Prodigy tree

The seven-branch palm tree

In Miniki, a palm tree with seven trunks, more than seventy years old, is a renowned wishing place. A botanical wonder and a spiritual site at once.

Miniki

HD photographs · notice FR/EN

To be recorded

04 · Living heritage

Religious coexistence

Vodun, Christianity and Islam live side by side in Savalou. Cross-testimonies from dignitaries and believers about a balance that makes the commune unique.

Communities of Savalou

Audio testimonies · FR/EN transcripts