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SACRIFICE, DAHOMEY
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SACRIFICE, DAHOMEY
At Dahomey, in the annual EK- QUE-NOO-AH-TOH-ME sacrifice of the annual HWAH-NOOEE-WHA festival, victims are seated in little boats and dropped from a height Date: 1876
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Media ID 23031028
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1876 Annual Dahomey Dropped Festival Height Human Sacrifice Victims
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking image captures the poignant moment of the annual sacrifice during the Hwah-Nooee-Wha festival in Dahomey, now known as Benin, West Africa, in the year 1876. The festival, also referred to as the Ekpe-Kpangan or Ek-Que-Noo-Ah-Toh-Me, was an essential part of the Dahomean kingdom's rich cultural heritage. In this photograph, victims of the sacrifice are seen seated calmly in small boats, prepared to be dropped from a significant height. The exact reason behind this ritual is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been a display of power and strength by the Dahomean king and his warriors. The victims were often prisoners of war or criminals, and their survival of the fall was considered a sign of divine favor. Despite the gruesome nature of the sacrifice, it was an integral part of the Hwah-Nooee-Wha festival, which celebrated the renewal of the earth and the blessings of the gods. The festival was a grand spectacle, attracting people from all over the kingdom and beyond. This photograph offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing insight into the complex and intriguing customs of the Dahomean people. It serves as a reminder of the rich and diverse cultural traditions that have shaped the history of Africa and the world.
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