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Adjangbodjou....one of the many "Egu" spirits that are found throughout Benin. Of Yoruban origin and siad to represent passed on spirits, the Fon of Benin have also adopted them. They say that if one touches you, you perish. They behave like people, have peculiar likes/dislikes and behaviours, rhythms, costumes and such. Here "he" is standing in front of an unrelated "vodu house" for the deities of "Sakpata" which protect the home disease among other things. You can see two painted figures who are actual family members who personify the deities in questions...one male, one female. I was lucky enough to experience a couple of evening rituals of this deity (of which there are dozens of shrines all over Agbomey). Intense dance and drum with some intense poly-rhythm and acrobatic dancing. Not too mention some elaborate detail to dress. Several members of the house took part...specialized dance for each deity..some young, some old...not open to the public to join. As I was new there (and in the evening) I didn't get any record of it.
Agbomey, Benin, March 2009
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