The character of Béhanzin or Gbèhin azi bô ayidjlè Ahossou Gbowelé is symbolic. Twelfth King of the Kingdom of Danhomè, now Abomey, first known as Ahokponu and then as Prince Kondo, this pride of the people of Danhomè is one of the sons of King Da-Da Glèlè Kini-Kini.
His struggle to protect his people from invaders is one of the many feats told to the world. As a tribute to this emblematic and historical figure, a statue of him is erected on the lands of his former kingdom. It shows him reaching out to push the enemy out of the kingdom of Danxomè.
This symbol of resistance to colonization finds one of its sources in the myth of the holed Jar as expressed by one of his predecessors, King Ghézo:
"The holed Jar contains the water that will give the country happiness. If all the children came, with their fingers together to plug the holes, the liquid would not flow and the country would be saved."
Artisan of progress throughout his reign, he will implement reforms for the empowerment of his people and this jar symbolizes the importance of the union of the people.
Together, it is possible to fill the holes in this jar. The task is to protect the riches of our land, our culture, our shared history.
Serge Agnide Dade, Danhomè Series (3D Art, MP4 2021)
