NOTES
The colorful, appliqued depictions of animals, human figures, and weapons on this cloth are linked with well-known Dahomey kings. Some of the kings represented are Agaja (reigned 1708–32) by the ship, Glèlè (reigned 1858–89) by the lion, and Béhanzin (reigned 1890–94) by the shark. The imagery illustrates oral traditions and conveys stories of power, conquest, and authority.
Such cloths are inspired by precolonial royal, appliqued textiles that delivered messages asserting political might. Twentieth-century examples of wall hangings, like this one, have become popular items readily available in Abomey, Republic of Benin. While modern cloths contain less graphic imagery than earlier versions, the applique wall hangings remain an impressive display of wealth and power from the precolonial Dahomey courts.
