The Fon People of Benin

I am not sure how I came across this image. I found it pretty interesting; finding it to be a seemingly odd juxtaposition of imagery. How can I think that? What do I know about the Fon people's culture? I went looking to learn something about the Fon people and share it with you here. Sew well!

The Fon people of Benin are noted for their appliqué banners (pictured to the left), made by sewing cut out pieces of cloth onto a fabric background to form designs.

Who are those famous Fon people?

The Fon are a separate ethnic group in the west of Africa, which belong to the Ewe. More than 2 million Fon live in the west of Africa, the majority of them in living in Benin.

Because many Fon where victims of the slave trade and because of modern migration movements al lot of Fon live scattered on the African and American continent. Most of the Fon of Europe can be found in France.

Few things have been publicized about the Fon even though there have had major influence on other cultures worldwide. Most of us are at least familiar with voodoo religion and cubism which both originate from Fon culture.

Where did the Fon come from and where did they go?


Originally the Fon came from the former Dahomey (also Dahome). They immigrated approximately to the area in the 14th century. Scientists assume they came from a town in Togo named Tado. Today the largest part of them is living in central and southern Benin, it is also the largest group of peoples of Benin (approx. 40% of the population). Another part of the Fon scatters over the southeast of Togo, the southwest of Nigeria, Ghabon and Ghana.

Their descendants were brought to North- and South America from the slave trade, particularly to the Caribbean. Since they mixed themselves in the meantime with other cultures they no more called Fonpeople.Today many Fon fled to Europe, particularly to France.

How the Fon influence the world.

For a long time, the Fon have exerted a strong influence on other people, especially in terms of religion. Slightly modified, it has spread to many parts of the world. Apparently many people can combine their native religion with christianity, since many of those who belive in Voodoo are Christians at the same time.

Through constant migration, the Fon have brought their culture to many places in the world. Their early craft influenced many European artists, for instance the Cubists. Until today, their sculptures (an example to the left) and artworks are highly appreciated in museums and art fairs.




This information gleaned from Folker Silge's Information page about the Fon People of Benin. Check out his page, there is more information there.