(Center for African Studies, Haiti).
It is a well
documented fact that the Dahomeans participated in the slave trade only as a
measure of "self defense"... But they had sworn among themselves
never to sell anyone from their ethnic group (the Aja people).
Unfortunately towards
the end of the 18th century, a "crazy man" named Agongolo seized
power in Dahomey : he violated the oath of the Aja, and he sold even his own
parents into slavery. In 1806, 4000 Dahomeans of royal blood who fell victim to
the heinous act of Agongolo, landed in Haiti. Henry Christophe, King of Haiti
had "bought" them from an English trader... Once in Haiti, these
Dahomeans were set free. They were entrusted with the upkeep of the affairs of
the Court of the King Henry. When King Henry died, they followed their leader
Alluda Mugnon into the Artibonite Valley. There they founded their own
village...
This recording is the
first recording ever of the religious Vodu practices of these people. (Liner
notes)
