Les Amazones

Using both written and oral sources, the author traces the history of the elite corps of women who spearheaded the army of Danhome throughout the 18th-20th centuries in the present-day Republic of Benin. The women mastered the use of a variety of weapons which evolved over time, including knives, bows, carabiners, rifles, and even a small artillery. Recruited through volunteering and drawing lots, these exceptional women were subjected to intense physical and military training and often served as bodyguards for the king. The author describes information gathered from the living memory of many witnesses, including vivid descriptions of the surprise attacks, close knife combat, and many other feats of arms accomplished by this female combat corps. [P. Brasseur, Persée]