Cradle of VODUN and recognized as such worldwide, Benin fascinates with the richness and vitality of its cultural heritage. Among the many deities that punctuate daily life in this small West African country, the "egun-gun" stands out — or "returnee" in Yoruba, the language of an ethnic group present in Benin and Nigeria.
The Egun hold a central place in Beninese culture and Vodun spirituality. Representing deified ancestors, they embody the continuity between the world of the living and the world of spirits. Through their masked dances, songs, and rituals, the Egun remind us of the respect owed to ancestors and the strength of family and community ties. During the Vodun Days, their majestic presence symbolizes the collective memory and spiritual identity of the Beninese people, offering a sacred moment where tradition, art, and ancestral heritage meet in a vibrant and powerful celebration.
According to the Balês, traditional leaders of the cult, the "egun-gun" was introduced in Benin during the reign of King Ghézo (1818-1858), after the military victory of the Kingdom of Dahomey over the Kingdom of Oyo in Nigeria. Respected and powerful, it appears dressed in multicolored and richly decorated fabrics, and only comes out on specific occasions — births, deaths, or major traditional festivals. Before each outing, rituals must be performed, including the consultation of the Ifâ, ensuring spiritual compliance.
The main function of the "egun-gun" is to solve its community's problems, but its presence also brings joy and wonder. In Benin, it attracts more spectators than a political rally or a football match. A virtuoso of rhythm and dance, it expresses itself to the sound of songs and percussion known only to initiates. Each type of "egun-gun" has its own rhythm and distinct dance steps. In Ouidah, the cradle of Benin's deities, the period of the VODUN DAYS and Easter are the preferred times for appearances, coinciding with major local festivals.
Visiting Benin without attending the parade of the "egun-gun" is a bit like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower: an incomplete experience, missing the soul of the country.