Warning: This post contains graphic images of deceased animals!
Akodessawa Voodoo Market / Marche des Feticheurs
Many think of Haiti as the birthplace of the Voodoo religion. However, it is actually West Africa where it originated and from there, former slaves brought their ancestral beliefs to as far as Haiti, the Caribbeans and Lousiana, US. Practice of the myserious Voodoo religion, the second most widespread after Christianity, still holds vital importance in daily life in West African countries such as Togo, Benin and Ghana. Statistics suggest that around 31% of the population (2.5 million) in Togo, 17% (1.6 million) in Benin, and 13% percent (2.2 million) in Ghana practice the Voodoo religion.
The Akodessawa Fetish Market is located in the district of Akodessawa in Lome, the capital of Togo. Owned by the Beninise (since Benin was the birthplace of the Voodoo religion), the Akodessawa Fetish Market is the biggest voodoo market in the world. This is a vast bazaar for charms, magic items, fetishes and goods that are used in a voodoo ritual. You can find various items such as stuffed animal heads, skulls, dead birds, crocodiles, skins and other products of deceased animals. Some say you can even find human skulls in some shops, however this hearsay needs verification.
Practical Information
Fees
Upon visiting the market, you are obliged to pay 3000 CFA (5 USD/ 4.5 EUR) for entrance and 2000 CFA (3.3 USD / 3 EUR) to take pictures.
Where is Akodessawa Fetish Market?
Here is a nice short video I found about the Akodessawa Fetish Market
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