Holi people chilling out in their hut (Benin)

The Holi people, belong to a subgroup of the Yoruba ethnic community. They live in southeastern Benin and have a population of about 100,000.
One of the most notable aspects of Holi culture is their body art, which includes tattoos and scarifications. Women traditionally decorated their bellies with tattoos, believed to offer protection during pregnancy.
These body modifications also played an important role in their history. During the time of the slave trade, Europeans viewed individuals without scarifications as unmarked and desirable. Consequently, the Holi's distinct scarifications helped protect them from being captured.
The Holi build their homes from bamboo, designing them with a characteristic square layout.

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Egungun masks (Benin)

Every year on January, Benin celebrates National Voodoo Day, bringing together thousands to honor this rich spiritual heritage. Voodoo isn’t just a religion, it’s a way of life deeply rooted in history and tradition.
One of the highlight of those celebrations is the Egungun ceremonies.
The Egungun masks, representing the spirits of ancestors who guide and protect their communities. These colorful, intricate costumes aren’t just art. They come alive in rhythmic dances, connecting the past with the present. As they move, the swirling colors symbolize the presence of the spirits among the living, blessing the community with protection and wisdom.

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Portrait of a Voodoo priest inside a temple (Benin).

Benin is the birthplace of Voodoo, a deeply spiritual and complex belief system that connects people with the divine, nature, and their ancestors. Voodoo is a way of life, blending rituals, music, and dance to honor spirits.
At the heart of Voodoo is Mawu-Lisa, the supreme deity, representing the balance between feminine and masculine energies. Below Mawu a pantheon of spirits or deities, known as Vodun, each governing different aspects of life such as fertility, the sea, healing, and justice.
Voodoo is more than a religion, it is a philosophy, a healing practice, and a way of understanding the universe. It guides daily life, resolving conflicts, ensuring good health, and bringing harmony to communities. Today, Voodoo remains a powerful force in Benin, shaping identity and culture while coexisting with other belief systems.

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Portrait of the priest of the Temple of Pythons inside the temple (Benin)

The Temple of Pythons is a sacred site deeply connected to the Vodun (Voodoo) religion. It houses dozens of royal pythons, which are considered sacred and symbolize wisdom, fertility, and protection.
For centuries, the temple has played a vital role in local spiritual practices, serving as a place of worship and a connection to ancestral spirits. The python is revered in the region, and believers often visit the temple seeking blessings, guidance, and healing.
Despite modern influences, the traditions surrounding the temple remain strong, highlighting Benin's rich cultural heritage and the enduring presence of Vodun spirituality in West Africa.

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