Discover Plateau: Guèlèdè, Crafts, and Cuisine

Plateau offers a range of cultural experiences: the intangible heritage of Guèlèdè in Kétou, as well as music, crafts, and dishes associated with Adja-Ouèrè. These themes range from a sacred mask tradition and its rhythms to specific ingredients and dishes.

Guèlèdè and musical traditions

Kétou, considered the birthplace of Guèlèdè, is located in Plateau Department. The sacred mask tradition was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2008. This makes Guèlèdè a distinctive cultural reference point, distinct from the rhythms and crafts also associated with Adja-Ouèrè.

The rhythms Bolodjo, Guèlèdè, Iwé, Séléoundjo, Kpalongo, Woro, and Kosso are associated with Adja-Ouèrè. They are performed, among other things, with Bata, Kété, Gangan, Kerikeri, Adjigo Chekeré, Agbechi, and Guiila. A 2020 account describes Guiila as being at risk of disappearing. The names of the rhythms and instruments give travelers a concrete sense of Adja-Ouèrè’s musical tradition.

Crafts and cuisine in Adja-Ouèrè

Basketry, pottery, woven mats, wood sculptures, and handicrafts are associated with Adja-Ouèrè. Activities such as weaving and pottery sit alongside the objects and woodwork mentioned here. Those interested in local handicrafts will find several distinct forms here, rather than just one material or technique.

The dishes can also be distinguished by their ingredients. Egbo, also called Kpelou awounkpo, is made from hulled maize kernels and served with beans. Nounkoun is another dish associated with Adja-Ouèrè and is made from beans. Irouchakara is a mustard seasoning served with chili and Akassa. Thus, a maize dish with beans, a bean dish, and a mustard seasoning with its accompaniments offer distinct culinary examples.

Heritage and landscape

Adja-Ouèrè’s heritage includes the springs of Itù and sacred forests. The classified Forêt d'Adakplamè is also located in the commune of Kétou in Plateau Department. These connections encompass both landscape and traditional significance. If you are planning to visit forests, springs, or Forêt d'Adakplamè, check what is possible locally in advance.

More perspectives in the wider destination of Benin

In the wider destination of Benin, Ouidah offers another way to explore history: the Portuguese Fort, the Route of the Enslaved, and the Door of No Return recall an important chapter in Atlantic history. The route is lined with monuments and memorials and ends at the Door of No Return on the Atlantic coast. It can be traveled on foot, by bicycle, or by car; a guide is recommended. These stops connect a historical route with a clearly identified endpoint.

The Black River in Adjarra offers another perspective, also in the wider destination of Benin. There, the river winds through vegetation including raffia palms, ferns, and wetlands. Exploring by dugout canoe with a local guide offers the chance to observe local flora and fauna. Adjarra’s raffia and drum crafts are also highlighted in this context. In the Benin context, nature observation and crafts thus stand alongside Ouidah’s sites of remembrance as distinct themes for planning a trip.

Discover more destinations: Kétou, Collines, Atlantique, Ouémé Department, Mono, Mono, Atakora Department, Littoral.

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