Dankoli Shrine

Dankoli is one of the most visited vodun shrines in Benin, standing beside the road near Savalou, and it works on a system: a petitioner drives a wooden peg into the mound and makes a promise, then returns to pay it when the request is granted, so the shrine has become a mass of thousands of pegs with palm oil, gin and feathers poured over it. Priests are present and explain the practice.

What you actually see

• The peg mound - thousands of wooden pegs driven in by petitioners over years.
• The libations - the palm oil, gin and offerings poured over the shrine.
• The promise system - the return visit made when a request is granted.
• The priests - the officiants present who explain the practice.

When to go

November to February is the cool dry season. The shrine is active daily. Fridays and market days bring more petitioners.

Honest expectations

This is an active shrine with animal sacrifice and the sights and smells disturb some visitors. Photography needs permission and fees are expected. Behaviour rules are explained and should be followed.

Nearby

Savalou is north, and Dassa-Zoumè is southeast.