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War trophies taken from the army of the King of Dahomey at Abbeokuta, 1864. Creator: Unknown
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War trophies taken from the army of the King of Dahomey at Abbeokuta, 1864. Creator: Unknown
War trophies taken from the army of the King of Dahomey at Abbeokuta, 1864. Items taken after '...the King of Dahomey's army, reckoned at from ten to fourteen thousand warriors, of whom two thousand were women, suffered a disastrous repulse [by the Egba people] from the walls of Abbeokuta...In the advancing column were Amazons [ie female soldiers], who fought bravely and desperately...[However,] the Dahomians were utterly defeated... The [objects] came out of a box full of trophies of the victory sent by the Rev. H. Townsend, an English missionary at Abbeokuta, to his brother, Mr. George Townsend, who has made a drawing of them for our use. 1. Decapitating-knife, resembling a huge razor, in length about 40 in. It is made to shut like an ordinary razor, and when used, kept tight by a spring. 2. Large wooden drum. This instrument is fluted, and has been split through its entire length in order to discover if it contained charms. Length about 40 in. 3. Cartridge belt, made of skin, and worn by the Amazon round the waist. 4. Dahomian three-legged stool stained with human blood'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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Media ID 38686049
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Artefacts Artifacts Booty Drum Knife Loot Percussion Instrument Spoils Of War Stool Trophies Trophy West African Blade Cartridge Belt Metaphor
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EDITORS COMMENTS
**War Trophies of a Defeated Army: A Glimpse into the Fierce Battles of West Africa**
In this haunting photograph, taken in 1864, lies a testament to the brutal conflict that ravaged West Africa. The war trophies on display were seized from the army of the King of Dahomey after his forces suffered a crushing defeat at Abbeokuta. Among these spoils are relics that reveal the ferocity and desperation with which both sides fought.
A decapitating knife, resembling a massive razor, stands as a symbol of the violence unleashed upon their enemies. The large wooden drum, fluted and split open to uncover any hidden charms, bears witness to the superstitious beliefs that fueled this conflict. A cartridge belt worn by female warriors from Dahomey's Amazonian ranks serves as a reminder of the bravery and tenacity displayed on both sides.
The most poignant relic is perhaps the three-legged stool stained with human blood - a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of war. This photograph, taken for an English missionary at Abbeokuta, offers a rare glimpse into the brutal struggles that shaped West Africa's history. The artifacts presented here serve as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of conflict and its impact on humanity.
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