The Dahomey Amazons were a Fon all-female military regiment of the Kingdom of Dahomey that existed from the 17th century until the late 19th century. They were the only female army in modern history. They were named Amazons by Western Europeans who encountered them, due to the story of the female warriors of Amazons in Greek mythology.
The Dahomey Mino around 1890
Seh-Dong-Hong-Beh, a leader of the Amazons, drawing by Frederick Edwyn Forbes, 1851
Dahomey Amazons with the king at their head, going to war – 1793
A group portrait of the "Amazons from Dahomey" during their stay in Paris, 1891
The Fon people, also called Fon nu, Agadja or Dahomeans, are a Gbe ethnic group. They are the largest ethnic group in Benin found particularly in its south region; they are also found in southwest Nigeria and Togo. Their total population is estimated to be about 3,500,000 people, and they speak the Fon language, a member of the Gbe languages.
"Amazon King Apron", Dahomey : the nineteenth century
Image: Vodoun d'Abomey
Image: Statuette du culte vodun Fon Musée africain de Lyon
Image: Brooklyn Museum 22.1500a b Robe Kansawu and Trousers from 3 Piece Royal or Noble Costume