'The French in Dahomey -- The King of Dahomey's Amazons crossing a swamp on the march, 1890. Creator: Unknown

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'The French in Dahomey -- The King of Dahomey's Amazons crossing a swamp on the march, 1890. Creator: Unknown

'The French in Dahomey -- The King of Dahomey's Amazons crossing a swamp on the march, 1890. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 42. July to December, 1890

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Media ID 36259399

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Amazon Dahomey Marching Regiment Rifle Rifles The Graphic Warriors West Africa West African Women At War

EDITORS COMMENTS
The French in Dahomey: A Striking Image of the King of Dahomey's Amazons Crossing a Swamp on the March, 1890 This evocative photograph, titled "The French in Dahomey: The King of Dahomey's Amazons Crossing a Swamp on the March," is an intriguing glimpse into the complex history of the late 19th century in West Africa. The image, published in "The Graphic: An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper" in 1890, captures a moment in the French conquest of the Kingdom of Dahomey, located in present-day Benin. The photograph shows a group of Amazons, an elite all-female military regiment of the Dahomey kingdom, leading their king and his soldiers through a swamp. The women, dressed in colorful skirts and adorned with jewelry, carry rifles and march determinedly through the muddy waters. Their king, dressed in traditional attire and wearing a crown, follows closely behind, accompanied by European soldiers, also armed with rifles. The scene is a testament to the interplay of cultures and power dynamics during this period. The French, represented by the European soldiers, had been expanding their colonial empire in West Africa, and the Kingdom of Dahomey, known for its powerful military and unique cultural practices, was a formidable adversary. The Amazons, who were renowned for their military prowess and discipline, played a significant role in the defense of the kingdom. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people of Dahomey during this tumultuous time, as well as the broader context of colonialism and the intersection of African and European cultures. It is a reminder of the rich history and complexity of the African continent and the global forces that shaped it during the 19th century.

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