Royal Palaces of Abomey

World Heritage Research

Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Royal Palaces of Abomey from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.

• The diversity of plant resources exploited in the palaces of Agbomè (kingdom of Danxomè/Dahomey), Bénin: the contribution of starch grain analysis from the palatial complex of Zasa (eighteenth to twentieth centuries AD)

  Starch grain analysis from the Zasa palatial complex in Agbomè, Bénin, reveals that cereals, legumes, and tubers formed a significant part of the diet in the Danxomè kingdom (18th–20th centuries AD), alongside non-local resources like maize and wheat. This study provides the first detailed archaeobotanical evidence of plant resource exploitation in royal palaces, complementing existing knowledge on animal consumption. By analyzing stone tools and ceramics, researchers identified a diverse range of plants used for food and potential medical practices. Cross-referencing with oral and written sources further enriched the interpretation, offering insights into dietary habits, craft production, and cultural practices during this pivotal period in West African history.

  Tokannou, S., Cagnato, C., & Petit, C. (2025). The diversity of plant resources exploited in the palaces of Agbomè (kingdom of Danxomè/Dahomey), Bénin: the contribution of starch grain analysis from the palatial complex of Zasa (eighteenth to twentieth centuries AD). Azania: Archaeological Research in Africa, 61(1), 140–167. https://doi.org/10.1080/0067270x.2025.2586374

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• Nothing Can Force the Buffalo to Take off His Tunic

  The Royal Palaces of Abomey serve as a living symbol of post-colonial identity, integrating spiritual practices with architectural and urban space. Research highlights how royal Vodun worship ceremonies—including daily libations at palace tombs, large annual tributes to pre-colonial kings, and the rare Gandaxi ritual—reinforce cultural continuity. Key to this are temples linked to the tohosu, spiritually empowered descendants of deformed royalty, and the dadassi, female royal guardians who oversee sacred altars. These elements collectively facilitate spiritual renewal while preserving Dahomey’s pre-colonial heritage amid modern contexts.

  Larsen, L. E. (2023). Nothing Can Force the Buffalo to Take off His Tunic. Dahomey’s Royal Architecture, 139–171. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003297383-6

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• 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

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• 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

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• Conclusion. Dahomey’s Royal Architecture

  The Royal Palace of Dahomey in Abomey serves as a enduring symbol of cultural identity and historical continuity, reinforcing the significance of pre-colonial history in post-colonial society. This study highlights how bas-relief sculptures depicting royal themes are integrated into public spaces like market facades, hotel courtyards, and homes, affirming the palace's role as a constant structure that transcends colonial rule. The research examines the palace's evolution through periods of construction, subjugation, and reclamation, emphasizing its representation of history, religion, and culture. By analyzing these elements, the study underscores the palace's capacity to strengthen community bonds and preserve cultural heritage.

  Larsen, L. E. (2023). Conclusion. Dahomey’s Royal Architecture, 172–177. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003297383-7

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• Dahomey’s Royal Architecture

  The Royal Palace of Abomey, spanning over 108 acres and encircled by a two-mile wall, serves as a historic record demonstrating how architecture can be manipulated to serve political, religious, or cultural agendas across nearly four centuries. Originally destroyed in 1892 to prevent capture by French colonial forces, portions of the palace were later restored for colonial administration before being transformed into a museum in 1945 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The study documents the palace's physical transformations, revealing its enduring religious significance despite shifting purposes—from royal residence to colonial outpost to cultural institution. This research highlights the intersection of architecture, history, and identity in West Africa, offering insights into post-colonial studies, religious practices, and the preservation of heritage.

  Ellsworth Larsen, L. (2023). Dahomey’s Royal Architecture. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003297383

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• The Shark and the Egg

  The Royal Palaces of Abomey, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1985, have undergone significant transformations since Benin's post-colonial independence in 1960. This study reveals how these palaces transitioned from colonial administrative sites to symbols of Dahomean cultural identity and pride. It highlights the spiritual reclamation of architecture, including the relocation of royal tombs within the palace, which preserved religious traditions while asserting a distinct non-European narrative. The research also examines the complexities of restoration efforts, often led by foreign entities, which exposed differing preservation priorities rooted in cultural perspectives. Through this analysis, the study explores the metaphorical layers of the palaces as 'architectural documents,' delving into themes of creolization and the evolution of their narratives in the post-colonial era.

  Larsen, L. E. (2023). The Shark and the Egg. Dahomey’s Royal Architecture, 104–138. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003297383-5

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