African Roots Benin Bajan DNA

African Roots Benin Bajan DNA, summarises the story of the DNA analysis of Woolly, a featured character in the book Rogues in Paradise. We invite you to the book launch, expected early in 2024.

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Woolly was surprised and delighted with his DNA results and added: “It’s great that my DNA links me to Benin as my most significant single African heritage. Bennin people are independent, forward-thinking, and democratic. I feel it! I have always known more about and respected my European background, but now I can also embrace my African roots and identity.”

Woolly is an example of how self-confidence and passion win. You can do amazing things if you put your mind to it. His motto is: “Face life’s changes and challenges with courage. They are stepping stones to your path.’

His DNA roots in Africa are Benin, Ghana, and Cameroon- Read the book to see what this means.

African Roots of the Wool Artist

Benin, located in West Africa, has a rich history and cultural heritage. From its diverse peoples to its religious and philosophical beliefs, Benin has a unique blend of customs deeply rooted in its past. See more about Woolly in the book’s table of contents.

 

Benin Beliefs and Religion

Benin has many religious beliefs, including traditional African religions, Christianity, and Islam. Traditional African religion is still practiced by many in Benin, and it encompasses a belief in a creator god responsible for the universe and all living things. It also involves ancestor worship, and many believe their ancestors continue to play a role in their daily lives.

Voodoo

In Benin, Voodoo (Vodou) includes ancestor worship, an essential aspect of African religions. Ancestors are honored through rituals and ceremonies. During the colonial era, the French authorities often suppressed Voodoo and viewed it as a primitive and dangerous practice. Today, Voodoo remains an integral part of Benin’s culture; it continues to shape the country’s identity and traditions. However, there has been a renewed interest in Vodou and other traditional African religions as many seek to reconnect with their cultural heritage.

Christianity is also widespread in Benin, with the Catholic Church being the largest Christian denomination in the country. Protestantism and Pentecostalism have also gained a significant following in recent years. Islam is the third-largest religion, with most followers practicing Sunni Islam.

 

Mama Hounza Tognon Mahouchi, 85, is president of the Voodoo priests in Couffo, a district in the south of Benin. After talks with Plan International and ReSPESD, he helped enact reforms throughout the convents he oversees. “I let this go on because I was ignorant,” he says. “Many talented people have been lost through this system,”  courtesy Plan Internationa as presented on CNN

Philosophy Art & Culture

Benin has a rich philosophical tradition focusing on the community and the interconnectedness of all things. Ubuntu, which translates to “humanity towards others,” is a critical philosophical concept in Benin. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, empathy, and community, which guides social and political decision-making. Benin has a long and rich tradition of art and culture, with a particular focus on sculpture and textiles. The country is known for its intricate woodcarvings, used in religious ceremonies and festivals. Benin is also famous for its textiles, including the brightly colored kente cloth famous throughout West Africa. Woolly is ironically a folk artist who uses wool to add dimension to his works.

 

Music is also essential to Benin’s cultural heritage, with traditional instruments such as the balafon and the kora still being used in many areas of the country. Benin’s music scene has also produced many famous musicians, including the legendary singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo.

History

Benin’s history is complex, with many kingdoms and empires rising and falling over the centuries. The early Kingdom of Dahomey was one of the most powerful empires in West Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries, and it played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade. The kingdom was known for its strong military and complex religious and cultural traditions.

The Beninese people were known for their strength and bravery on the battlefield. In the 17th century, the Kingdom of Dahomey, which encompassed much of what is now modern-day Benin, was home to an all-woman military regiment known as the Dahomey Amazons. Viola Davis’s acclaimed film The Woman King has spotlighted the all-woman military division, telling the story of a female general who leads her troops into battle against French colonial forces in the 18th century. Their story is a testament to the resilience and fortitude of the Beninese people. It serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that women have played throughout history in shaping the world around us.

Benin Woman Army

At one time, a Wonam was King of Dahomey (the original name of Benin). – She assumed the role by dressing as a man and taking over from her brother when he died. Her name was Tassi Hangbé.

Benin gained independence from France in 1960 and has experienced several political and economic challenges. However, the country has also made significant strides in improving its infrastructure and developing its economy, and it remains a vibrant and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage.

See much more in the Book- Rogues in Paradise.

Get Free Samples of the Book Rogues in Paradise

Rogues in Paradise is the real story of Barbados, seen through the lens of everyday people, rogues, and heroes; it challenges the usual perspective written by the colonialists who enslaved its African population. While mindful and provocative, it is also a Fun Saga of the Extraordinary-Ordinary people of Barbados.

 

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