Like a Jar with Many Holes

The Royal Palaces of Abomey serve as a tangible architectural record of Dahomey's tumultuous 18th and 19th centuries, reflecting political, social, and economic transformations. The study reveals how the palace's physical features—including bas-relief sculptures and structural expansions—mirror the reigns of kings Tegbesu, Kpengla, Agonglo, Adandozan, Guezo, and Glele. Notably, the palace's evolution documents periods of conflict, innovation in artistry (e.g., Agonglo's contributions to bas-reliefs), and later stability under Guezo and Glele, which saw economic growth and international engagement. By analyzing oral and written histories alongside architectural elements, the research demonstrates how the palace encapsulates Dahomey's complex legacy, from erasures of despised rulers like Adandozan to expansions symbolizing renewed prosperity.

Larsen, L. E. (2023). Like a Jar with Many Holes. Dahomey’s Royal Architecture, 45–69. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003297383-3