Dahomey, — An Ancient West African Kingdom, Vol. 1

Details the origins of the kingdom, which was founded around 1600 CE. It explores the "path of the leopard" origin myths and the migration of the Fon people to the Abomey plateau.

Examines the customs and rituals related to birth, childhood, and adulthood. Key Themes & Historical Significance Dahomey, An Ancient West African Kingdom Dahomey, an ancient West African kingdom, vol. 1

The book is a landmark anthropological and historical study authored by Melville J. Herskovits . Originally published in 1938, it remains one of the most comprehensive ethnographic records of the Fon-speaking people of present-day Benin . Overview of Volume 1 Details the origins of the kingdom, which was

Analyzes the structures of kinship, clanship, and secret societies that formed the backbone of Dahomean life outside of the royal palace. Key Themes & Historical Significance Dahomey, An Ancient

A deep dive into the kingdom's complex economic system, covering production, distribution, and the centralized taxation of agricultural products like palm oil.