☰
Press 3 lines above to open MENU
Translate this page:
You can translate the content of this page by selecting a language in the select box.
Share this link!
Classic phenotype* of Tohossou child.
Regarded as sacred, powerful, and a blessing to any family that undergoes the required ceremonies.
Benin (Cotonou), West Africa. Copyright 2002, Mama Zogbé
For centuries, the world over, children born with disabilities were often segregated and labeled as an omen of "bad luck, evil and financial hardship" to their families- a perpetual source of shame and embarrassment for their parents. Worse, many were institutionalized and even killed to ward off a life of humiliating stares, social rejection and years of agonizing expense and work by their parents. There simply was no reward in having to sacrifice one's life to care for children born under these atypical circumstances. This was also the case in Dahomean culture (Togo, Benin) until a special Vodou named TOHOSSOU emerged to change all of this for them.
Albinism is a special class of children of Tohossou. Scorned and discriminated against for centuries as an ancestral curse, these children are honored in the Vodoun tradition. When ceremonies are performed for them, they bring wealth,good luck and prosperity to their families.
Historical Origins
The TOHOSSOU are a congregant of ancient evolved royal ancestors who came on the scene during the reign of King Akaba, the second king of Dahomey (1685-1708). They were known as the "children and guardian of the three rivers," a place where all the ancestors lived, and all who died must pass before entering this sacred underwater kingdom. These Tohossou were considered very powerful and were often summoned into battle when all else failed, for they were a sure winner with one heavy blow of their powerful swords.
The Tohossou are grouped with the "Neusewe," Dahomeans' most ancient ancestors, often known today as the "Loko". The first child being born with disabilities under this group was Zumadunu, first King Webgaja's eldest son, who heads this powerful group of Trowo (ancestral spirits). It was to this group that special sacrifices and honor was to be kept.
Unfortunately, it was during King Gele's reign that the greatest persecution of those who were born to the village kings' families with disabilities occurred. They were often sacrificed in order to spare the royal families years of grief, shame and humiliation.
What was more significant is that these royal ancestors were often neglected and ignored by the kings themselves. After repeated attempts to attract the attention of the reigning king, to encourage them to pay homage to them as is tradition and the king's blatant refusal to do so, these ancestors became enraged. One day, in their anger, they descended on the royal court in the bodies of adults with disabilities and began to wreak havoc, confusion and despair upon all, completely destroying the entire court and village.
Immediately, the king called down the Afa diviners to ascertain what the problem was and what could be done to appease these angry, powerful spirits. After careful consultation, the Tohossou began to speak. Besides demanding that all kings erect a shrine next to the major Vodou and pay homage to them, they further demanded that the persecution of the children living with disabilities born to them be stopped. They then declared that now, they were the GUARDIAN PROTECTORS of all persons with disabilities. Lastly, they also proposed that those who were born with disabilities could now erect a small shrine to them in their homes and that all who choose to do so would be rewarded with special blessings and prosperity.
Today, in Benin & Togo, children who are born with disabilities are given a special ceremony. A small place is consecrated in their home to the Tohossou. Thus, instead of bringing enormous financial hardship and emotional pain to their families, they bring blessings. Those who have been permanently disabled due to age, injury, or disease in their adult lives are also brought under the guardianship of the Tohossou.
Special Option
This service is now available to the West. A consultation begins the process and will assist the families and persons living with disabilities who wish to proceed with receiving any ceremonies of the Tohoussou.
Those who choose to have this special ceremony will never go without.
*Please note, this article was written and edited to reflect current updates in terminology for persons with accessibilities as well as persons who are able-bodied, as all are inclusive to this article. To learn more about Tohossou, if there are any questions that you may have, or if the terminology has since changed, please contact mamathefire50@yahoo.com. Akpeloo!
Return to: The Gods
Everything Begins with a Consultation.
For every stage of life, The Mami Wata Healers Society Temple of Mawu is ready to celebrate and commemorate African Tradition and Culture with you.
schedule a consultation