Law and order works somewhat differently in Benin, Togo, and parts of Nigeria. Instead of police cars patrolling the neighborhood, the Ogu have their way of keeping the streets safe in their villages. They have Zangbeto Dance, Vodon spirits, who act as judge, jury, and executioner.
In recent years, videos of Zangbeto have surfaced online. All Western forums ask the same question: Is Zangbeto real or fake? When you watch the video, you don’t know what to think about it. But tourist Chris Staines, who witnessed the tradition, said that to question it would be tantamount to blasphemy, and so few dare to question it.
This tradition is centuries old. English journalist Stuart Butler, who traveled to Benin and observed this tradition, says: “Zangbeto commemorates a power that is said to have inhabited the earth long before the appearance of man. was…”
About Zangbeto Dance
Zangbeto Dance is a Gun word (the language of the Ogu people) and means “man of the night”. Essentially, they are supernatural protectors, protecting communities from natural and supernatural forces. These spirits know that someone has stolen, cast an evil spell, killed, or harmed an innocent person. Because of their fearsome nature, believers do not dare to cause trouble.
Once summoned by dedicated cult members, Zangbeto patrol villages mainly at night to find criminals. If Zangbeto is caught and does not repent, he will curse the person and make his life hell through justice. After the ritual, cult members take apart the structure to show that no one is inside. People often hear scary noises coming from something.
Zangbeto works wonders with crowds and can make objects and animals appear out of nowhere. Skeptics believe that the Doctor somehow controls it remotely or manages to hide someone inside.
What are they?
In recent years, videos of Zangbeto have surfaced online. All Western forums ask the same question: Is Zangbeto real or fake? When you watch the video, you don’t know what to think about it.
Incorporating Zangbeto into the mix is only possible with this particular cult who summons him, pays homage to him, and ensures that no one interferes with the ritual. This sect consists mainly of men and some women. Anyone who wants to join has to go through a selection process. You must have good character and be able to keep secrets. The cult surrounds Zangbeto and prevents people from touching it.
Although they are spirits, the Zangbeto manifest themselves in colorful costumes as they parade and dance through the village. These conical dresses are made from raffia palm leaves dyed in red, green, yellow, purple, and brown. Parakeets dance, spin, and perform acrobatics.
Before you think someone is there, think again. The cult members put the whole thing in front of everyone, from gluing the thin wooden frame together to placing leaves on it. They do this to make the viewers believe. Some locals say that the Zangbeto Dance is the spirit of their ancestors who return and protect the current generations.
Annual festival
With Zangbeto’s permission, Ogu has used it to instill fear among rival tribes. Zangbeto played an important role in psychological warfare. Today they are used primarily for sacred rituals, law enforcement, and entertainment. More recently, Ogu has used the Zangbeto Dance for environmental efforts to protect local mangroves, fisheries, and forests.
In an article for the Voice of America, a village leader in Benin warned: “If you go into the jungle, you will be punished by our amulet laws…it is scary.” If you want to see it for yourself, Zangbeto Dance in Badagry, Nigeria holds its nine-day festival every July or August.
