Ngoyo Meets Dahomey

The silver kimpaba, originally from Cabinda but later adopted by the Kingdom of Dahomey, symbolized power and prestige among Fon artists. This study reveals how the item was integrated into Dahomey's royal palaces through a fusion of local and foreign craftsmanship, becoming an emblem of authority until its looting by French troops in the late 19th century. The research compares the kimpaba to other silver artifacts from Abomey, analyzing its cultural significance and legacy, including its influence on European-designed gifts to local rulers during colonial expansion. By examining material culture and historical records, the study highlights the kimpaba's role in reflecting societal changes along the Loango coast.

(Ed.). (2023). Ngoyo Meets Dahomey. The Gift, 121–157. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108989756.008