Dahomey Tapestry - (Benin, West Africa)

Dynasties of the Dahomey kingdom portrayed in applique tapestry

Below is a fine collection of contemporary and historical handcrafted African Heritage Tapestries from the Abomey Museum in Benin, West Africa.

The African Heritage Tapestries depict the history of the ancient kingdom of Dahomey in the country of Benin in West Africa. Since the seventeenth century, the production of these hieroglyphic artworks has been a living tradition in Abomey, the historical capital of the Dahomey kingdom.

Hand sewn by craftsmen with a hemstitch technique, these colorful tapestries are a fascinating illustration of popular African sayings. The most well known are those representing the names of the twelve kings. These ancient rulers were proud to show their attributes through intriguing symbols such as those described on this page.

Dahomey applique tapestries are made by Fon and Fanti tribesmen and boys who belong to family guilds that pass designs down from generation to generation.  The bright colored cloth motifs and patterns of birds, fish, animals, people, and other symbols are cut of colorful plain weave cotton and carefully stitched (often with camel hair) onto a black or other colored cloth background panel.

Glele (1856-1889) - lion

Each textile depicts the story of a king, chief, or warrior and tells of their achievements in history. Originally, designated artisans executed these designs to specifications of their kings and they were hung as banners or used as flags.

Ganyehessou (unknown-1620)

The big bird reigns over

all nature. – a bird, drum, & hunting stick

(Fon) appliques were made in Dahomey, a West African country that was re-named Benin in 1975. The kingdom of Dahomey was a powerful West Africa State that was founded in the 17th century and lasted until 1894. From 1894 to 1960 Dahomey was part of French West Africa and named The Republic of Dahomey. In 1975 the country was renamed Benin.

Today Abomey is the political capital of Benin and is known for its beautiful palaces and decorated walls.  Tapestries are considered to be important and tell the stories of the glorious periods in the history of the Kingdom of Dahomey.

Handmade appliques were used in banners, flags, tapestries, royal umbrellas, hammocks, and ceremonial cloths representing Dahomey oral history. All Fon appliques include animal figures. Elaborate large applique tapestries were reserved only for royalty and detailed life events of the person were woven into a tapestry by a designated craftsman. 

Akaba (1685-1708) Slowly but surely the Chameleon reaches the

top of the baobab tree.- a warthog