ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the spiritual aspects of Royal Palace of Dahomey and other related architecture. It explains the tenets of Royal Vodun worship and considers how its ceremonies make use of architectural and urban space of Abomey. It explicates the offering of libations which occur every five days at the palace tombs, the large annual ceremonies held for the pre-colonial kings, and the ceremony known as Gandaxi which was traditionally held every seven years. In addition, this chapter examines the role of temples related to royal history, many of which are associated with tohosu, the physically deformed, and thus spiritually empowered, deceased members of the royal family. In addition, the permanent residence of designated, female, royal descendants of the kings known as the dadassi within a centrally located section of the palace contribute to its spiritual importance. They oversee altars significant to the kings, and represent the pre-colonial kings during certain ceremonies. The Royal Palace of Dahomey functions as a symbol of post-colonial identity for the residents of Abomey in part through its spiritual roles the ceremonies held there which facilitate spiritual and cultural renewal.
