Home > Mary Evans Prints Online > New Images August 2021
FEAST OF TRIBUTES
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
FEAST OF TRIBUTES
DAHOMEY Victims are slaughtered to please the gods at the Feast of Tributes Date: 1890
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23031152
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Dahomey Feast Gods Human Sacrifice Slaughtered Tributes Victims
EDITORS COMMENTS
Feast of Tributes" is an evocative and haunting image that captures the grim reality of a centuries-old ritual practiced in the Kingdom of Dahomey, now modern-day Benin, in West Africa during the late 19th century. The photograph, taken in 1890, depicts a large crowd of people gathered around a central clearing where human sacrifices are being made to appease the gods. The victims, mostly women, are seen with expressionless faces, some bound and blindfolded, as they are led to their fate. The scene is one of both reverence and horror, as the people of Dahomey carry out this deeply ingrained custom with a sense of solemn duty. The Feast of Tributes was a significant event in the religious and political calendar of the Kingdom of Dahomey, which was renowned for its military might and complex social structures. The ritual involved the presentation of tributes to the gods, which could include livestock, crops, and, most controversially, human lives. The victims were believed to have been chosen by the gods through divination, and their sacrifice was seen as a way to ensure the continued prosperity and protection of the kingdom. Despite the horrific nature of the scene depicted in this photograph, it is an important historical record of a practice that has long been shrouded in myth and mystery. The Feast of Tributes was one of the last major human sacrifices recorded in Africa before the continent was colonized by European powers. Today, the image serves as a reminder of the complex and often brutal history of human sacrifice and the role it played in shaping the cultural and religious practices of communities around the world. The photograph is a poignant testament to the enduring power of tradition and the human capacity for both cruelty and reverence. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of history and the ways in which cultural practices can evolve, adapt, and sometimes disappear over time.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
