The Fish That Escaped the Net

A study of the Royal Palaces of Abomey reveals that the architectural design and spatial organization of the palace complex were deeply influenced by cultural, political, and supernatural factors during the reigns of King Huegbadja (c. 1645–1685), King Akaba (1685–1708), Regent Hangbe (1708–1711), and King Agadja (1711–1740). The research argues that the palace's structures encoded cultural standards, which were both shaped by and used to manipulate the kingdom's political dynamics. These standards drew from supernatural origins of the Dahomean dynasty, existing Guedevian architectural forms, gendered space, and the immediate history of the ruling dynasty. This analysis provides insight into how architecture served as a tool for political consolidation and expansion during this pivotal period in Dahomey's pre-colonial history.

Larsen, L. E. (2023). The Fish That Escaped the Net. Dahomey’s Royal Architecture, 13–44. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003297383-2