Dahomey Amazons- Most Feared Women In History

Breaking the glass ceiling has been termed in 1980’s but been in practice from the ancient days. Diverse evolution of mankind has faced varied cultures, wars and historical personalities. One such kind of women troop to have lived as exact reference for the term of breaking through the glass ceiling was the Dahomey Amazons or Mino (our mothers).

Dahomey Amazons were the only frontline women soldiers that existed in history. Dahomey women clan existed from 18^th to 19^th century in the Kingdom of Dahomey which is currently termed as Republic of Benin.

Dahomey Amazons belonged to the Fon people from the primitive African inherited group. Amazons was the title coined by outsiders who witnessed the Dahomey women’s valiant nature on battlefield by referring them to the Greek mythology.

The Dahomey women are recorded to have come into origination from approximately 1700’s when they were recruited for becoming the personal bodyguard to Queen Tassi Hangbe, daughter of King Houegbadja of Dahomey. But later until the ruling of King Ghezo in 1800’s, Dahomey did not attain maximum utilization. King Ghezo is considered as the key person who have formed the Dahomey Amazons to who they are known for today. He personalized military based out of Dahomey women by expanding the training, selection and structuring budget for them.

Key features of Dahomey Amazons

Apart from their extinguished fighting skills, Dahomey women portrayed astounding characterization which displayed proof to the level at which women can be in par with men.

• A prime criterion for women to be selected for Dahomey army was to be extremely hostile by nature.

• Often women joined the troop voluntarily which consisted children from the age of 8.

• At times women were also forced into joining this group if their own family members found them to be uncontrollable or possessed intense vigorous character.

• The Minos considered joining the troop as a rise in position and wealth. They were referred to have the ability to independent and respectful life with many slaves for themselves.

• Many women joined the army to just escape from husband dominance and torture.

• Dahomey Amazons were considered as part of the Grand Council and often raised their opinions for issues related to Dahomey.

• During the total time in the troop, Amazons could not get married nor bear children. Still they called themselves Ahosi(king’s wives).

Physical training and battle skills

Dahomey women were trained soldiers to be completely merciless and exhibit sheer dedication. Their strength was considered equal to men soldiers in combat. The Amazons revealed their unique fighting skills such as trained horsewomen for generations, use Winchester rifles, clubs, knives and exceedingly courageous to never retreat from a war.

Forming regiments and fighting in uniforms (trouser with elongated sleeves) were part of Dahomey army. The units were under female command and each regiment consisted of huntresses, riflewomen, reapers, archers, and gunners. Dahomey Amazons rose to an army of about 6000 trained women by 1850’s.

Dahomey Amazons were counterpartyed with equivalent male soldiers for fierce battles. Dahomey women acclaimed their expertise on various battles in the history of the Kingdom of Dahomey. Notable were the battles of Savi(1727), Abeokouta(1851 & 1892), Ketu(1886) and final two crucially large wars against the French.

_{*Right image: Seh-Dong-Hong-Beh, leader of the Dahomey Amazons. Drawing by Frederick Forbes, 1851.}

Fall of the Dahomey Amazons

End of 19^th century faced the intrusion of the European countries into western Africa. This led to the French colonial expansion into the Kingdom of Dahomey. First Franco-Dahomean war and Second Franco Dahomean war marked the end of independent Kingdom of Dahomey around 1892.

Various archaeological digs in Eurasia depicted 37% of the graves contained the bones and weapons of Horsewomen who fought alongside men.

If you are a Marvel fan by now you would be able to relate The Dahomey Amazons to Dora Milaje of the movie Black Panther. It represented the women army who had justified reference of Dahomey women.

In spite of their fall, Dahomean women will be considered the only women troop to have existed in history with such valour. Their war chants was, “a[s] the blacksmith takes an iron bar and by fire changes its fashion so have we changed our nature. We are no longer women, we are men.”

Long live their fame and bravery !