The diversity of traditional beninese art reveals great imagination inspired by the sacred and magical. Centuries ago, objects were associated with clans, their rituals and ceremonies. Today, artists create objects to make a living by selling them to tourists, but their talent is not less impressive. We can find a profusion of sculpted wooden masks and wooden and bronze statues.
Visitors hosted at the Shammesh-Aliho Center may meet these artists and discover how a piece of wood is transformed in their hands.
Music is every african’s sixth sense. One can just see how a young child prances at the mere musical rythm. It is therefore essential, during a stay in Benin, to try out some dance moves with the drum rythms and to learn how to play djembé. This opportunity is given to visitors during evenings regularly organized at the center in presence of musicians.
But african art can also be found in daily life. An example is the profusion of colorful fabric called “loincloth”, which all beninese, man and women equally, wear in the city and in villages. Beninese designers can create custom-made dresses and outfits for you in a few days.
We can also find craftsmen who create objects with palm leaves or who transform red earth into pottery objects cooked in a traditional open fire.
Can we actually speak of beninese gastronomy ? No, not according to our definition in France, yet however, Cotonou presents every September a traditional food show whos aim is to value ancestral beninese recipes. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the creation and tasting of such meals.