shield_moon History

The Amazons of Dahomey

The Mino (« our mothers » in Fon), nicknamed Amazons by Europeans, were the elite female corps of the Kingdom of Dahomey. Here is their story.

schedule 6 min
signal_cellular_alt All levels
1
Origin

Founding of the corps

18th centuryFounded by King Houégbadja
Mino« Our mothers » in Fon
StrengthUp to 6,000 women
RecruitmentVolunteers + selected captives
GhézoKing who strengthened the corps
Mino
« Our mothers »: the honorific title of the Amazons
2
Struggle

Methods and weapons

WeaponsRifles, sabers, machetes
TacticsNight charges, surprise
StatusWives of the king, celibacy imposed
RitualsInitiation and ritual baths
ReputationFierce, merciless fighting

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3
The end

Final battle 1892-1894

1892First Franco-Dahomean War
1894Béhanzin’s surrender
Losses+50% of the Mino killed in combat
MemoryAccounts from survivors
TodayStatue and symbol of Benin
tips_and_updates

Pop culture

The Amazons inspired Black Panther (2018), its follow-up film The Woman King (2022), and many novels. Benin honors their memory through its tourism.

The warrior mothers

The Mino remain a symbol of women’s emancipation in Africa. Their courage against colonizing France is a cornerstone of Beninese pride.

Danxomɛ
Language before translation
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