Sacred Forest of Kpassè (Forêt Sacrée)

Small Vodun grove with bronze and concrete sculptures of the orishas

A walled grove of mature trees in the centre of town — small by forest standards, but a calm pocket of green amid the heat. Sculptures by Beninese artists depict the major Vodun divinities: Mami Wata the water spirit, Legba the gatekeeper, the twin spirits Ibeji, and the central iroko tree said to embody King Kpassè himself.

A guide is included with the modest admission and is essential — without the explanations the sculptures are decorative rather than meaningful. Allow 40 minutes.

things to do sight
A story
The forest is said to be the place where King Kpassè, the founder of Ouidah, transformed himself into an iroko tree to escape his enemies. The iroko at the centre of the grove is supposedly that tree, and is still venerated. The bronze sculptures around it, depicting the major Vodun divinities, were commissioned for the 1992 festival and are now permanently sited around the paths.

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