Temple of the Pythons

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A fistful of Regius in the Temple of Pythons, Ouidah, Benin, W. Africa.

Ouidah is situated on the southern coastline of Benin, W.Africa. It is historically famed being the centre of the Voudoun religion as well as one of the main slave routes out of W.Africa. Voudoun [transported by slaves] was later corrupted into what we all know now as voodoo which was and continues to be practised in the Carribean, and Americas.

The temple is located in Ouidah which itself is situated at the start of a 4km stretch of road/track called the 'Route of the Slaves' at least 2-3 million souls marched along this route to be transported across the Atlantic. Memorials to this trade can be found on the coastline at the conclusion of the route.

The Temple of the Pythons in Ouidah is allegedly the focal point of Voudoun, it is situated in a relatively small walled compound, inside there is a small building a huge mango tree [full of fruit bats] and other assorted and small dilapidated shrines. The small building houses anything up to 100 pythons, they have free passage around the compound and are revered and worshipped by those that practice the religion. Any python that escapes the compound and is found in Ouidah proper is simply collected and returned to the temple. In terms of food and feeding the fruit bats appeared to be a staple and several of varying sizes were lying around the compound, no doubt knocked out of the Mango trees by the Temple guardians.

In all of my travels over the African continent this is one of the very few places that actively promote snakes in a good light! Most indigenous folk continent wide are inclined to be terrified and destroy snakes without a second thought.

In any case if you ever happen to be in deepest darkest Benin it might be worth a visit!

Best as ever,

Tony

Super post Tony..........stunning pic
Now thats what you call, A fistful of Royals
Tommy

cracking post and that is a super pic of the royals

Dam! we just dont have places like this in ireland

Super story and photo Tony, that sounds like one heck of a pace to visit! Its good to hear there are places, albeit rarely, that rever snakes in Africa. You have a fistful of balls right there :)