How the slave trade continues to impact families and society in Benin

Thierry Boudjekeu Kamgang is a Research Associate in the project “Black Atlantic Revisited”, Junior Fellow at the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) and Member of the Cluster Africa Multiple at the University of Bayreuth. His PhD project is entitled “Writing the Slave Trade Trauma in Francophone Africa: A Study of Selected Novels”. His current interest are trauma, memory and history of the Slave Trade in West Africa, including Benin and Senegal. Recently he finished his survey on the effects of the slave trade in Ouidah (Benin). We talked to him about his findings. 

UBTaktuell: Why are you investigating the consequences of slavery in Benin, which now dates back almost 150 years? What relevance does this have for African studies today?

Thierry Boudjekeu Kamgang: I have always been interested in African history and its impact on contemporary society. Slavery and the transatlantic slave trade are among the most tragic and significant events in African history. The consequences of slavery continue to affect societies and individuals in Africa today, especially in areas that were heavily impacted by the trade. The city of Ouidah in Benin was one of the main slave trade routes in West Africa, and the memories and legacies of this period are still present in the culture and lives of the people. With the project Black Atlantic Revisited, we question how memories of slavery are constructed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the Atlantic. By investigating the lingering effects of the slave trade in Benin, we hope to contribute to the understanding of how historical events continue to shape societies and individuals in the present.

What is your approach?

Investigating the traces of the slave trade in Benin involved both remote and on-site research. To find interviewees, we worked with local partners and organisations such as "Afrique Décide", NGO based in Ouidah, who have connections with the communities concerned. We conducted interviews with various actors in Ouidah, Calavi, and Cotonou, which provided a deep insight into the professional, cultural, and religious practices of the local people, and how the memories of the slave trade still impact their lives. We gathered accounts on knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards the slave trade in these communities.

How many people did you interview and what criteria did you use to find them?

We interviewed approximately 16 men and women including 4 main categories: artists (painters, sculptors, and musicians), tourist guides (both trained and untrained), priests (of the fa and voodoo religions), and family leaders (of slavers and enslaved descents). Our criteria for selecting interviewees were based on their knowledge and experiences related to the slave trade and its (in)tangible legacies, as well as their involvement in local cultural, artistic, professional or religious practices. We worked with "Afrique Décide" to identify potential interviewees who could provide diverse perspectives and experiences. The selection was carried out following a qualitative approach and by taking full advantage of diversity and gender, which in this type of survey very often bear interesting fruits.

What came out?

One of the most striking findings from this research was the enduring legacy of the slave trade in the memories and stories passed down through generations. These oral accounts provide a powerful reminder of the horrific events that took place and of the strength and resilience of the people who survived them. Additionally, we found that the memories of the slave trade are still present in the cultural practices and rituals of the communities, as well as in the monuments and artworks that have been built in memory of the trade.

Can you give us short examples of stories you have heard?

One case that particularly stands out is that of a family who still possesses the chains that were used to shackle their ancestors during the slave trade. The family has preserved these chains as a reminder of their ancestors' suffering and as a symbol of their resilience and survival. There are literary representations of this memory in Ouidah. One of them is the sketch "La Mémoire enchainée", a play written by Flavien Zountcheme and performed during the international conference held in Ouidah on memory and traces of the slave trade. Another story is that of Maman Houenon, priestess of Kindolanhou deity who heads a group of 5 enslaved families and incorporates elements of the slave trade into her cultic practice. Once used to pacify the trade of slaves, this spiritual configuration reveals the significance of such remnants for a culture of healing and peace.

What are your personal conclusions?

I believe that it is important to continue studying and preserving these memories, so that we can continue to learn from the past and work towards a better future. The monuments and artworks that built in memory of the slave trade are a testament to this, and I am excited to see how they are being used to promote reconciliation and healing. Overall, my experience with this survey has been truly eye-opening, and has deepened my appreciation for the power of memory and storytelling. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Black Atlantic Revisited project and to contribute to this important work.