Zangbeto, the Mystic Masquerade

Zangbéto the Mystic Masquerade

   Zangbeto, which means the gardian of the night is not a deity as many Africans of the diaspora may think. Zangbeto is not like Xêbioso, Ogu, Sakpata,Dan,etc. that are responsible for human destiny and life purpose. Zangbéto is just a mystic mask created by King Tè-Agbanlin, Funder of Hogbonou (present Porto-Novo) either to bear down invaders or to run over his enemies in the past. After Tè-Agbanlin had conquired the land previously occupied by the Gun, the Tofin and the Yoruba, and settled his kingdom which he named Ajatchè or Hogbonou, Zangbeto was used as the gardian of the night for the security of all inhabitants of the newly founded kingdom. Though colinization brought great changes to the social organization of Hogbonou and Benin in general, the practice is still going on in some areas, especially rural ones. Other people, with permission of the elders, can put the spirit in their farms so that whoever steal anything from the farm will be strongly disturbed by the spirit of Zangbeto. The most frequent question that visitors, even some native, ask is to know what is inside Zangbéto. Whenever I am asked the question, a smile naturally appears on my lips because I too used to ask the same question when I was still a little lay boy. Anyway the answer to that question remains unanswered. The hut is often opened by the priest-guides to let the watchers and especially doubters to touch the truth with eyes. The insider of the hut is everything you can see in this life except human beings. Sometimes it can be burnt in front of the crowd and will reappear short minutes later. If you desire to know more about Zangbeto or eyewitness the expression of its power, just contact me on the 00229 96 84 80 37

On the way to Vodun Festival international 2019. Ouidah/Benin