Benin’s culture is as rich and diverse as its landscape. Despite attempts at greater national unity and integration since 1960, differences among Benin’s ethnic groups survive to a marked degree.

The Fon, who make up about two-fifths of the population, live in various parts of the country and especially in Cotonou. The Yoruba, who are related to the Nigerian Yoruba, live mainly in southeastern Benin and constitute about one-eighth of Benin’s population. In the vicinity of Porto-Novo, the Goun (Gun) and the Yoruba (known in Pobé and Kétou as Nago, or Nagot) are so intermixed as to be hardly distinguishable. Among other southern groups are various Adja peoples, including the Aizo, the Holi, and the Mina.

The Bariba, the fourth largest ethnic group, comprise several subgroups and make up about one-tenth of Benin’s population. They inhabit the northeast, especially towns such as Nikki and Kandi that were once Bariba kingdoms. The Somba (Ditamari) are found in Natitingou and in villages in the northwest. Other northern groups include the Dendi, the Pila (Pilapila), the Yoa-Lokpa and the nomadic Fulani (Peul).

I had no idea that Benin was so diverse. Meeting and interacting with all these groups of people have moved me like never before. I have cried so many times!

Representation is everything to me. That’s why I portray black women everytime I get the chance to do so. Mélanie is a young woman from a small village near Savalou. She is fearless and kind, full of dreams and ambition and funny. This portrait is so special to me. It represents everything I felt, my love for my People…

Artist : HighlyMelanated Edition : 1/1 Location : Near Savalou- Benin Republic Year Created : January 2020 Size : 3583 × 4478 Gear : Canon EOS 5D Mark III - Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Genre : Portrait - Minimalist

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