The Real Warriors Behind 'The Woman King'

Overview

• Film: The Woman King stars Viola Davis as a fictional leader of the Agojie, an all-woman army in Dahomey.
• Setting: 19th-century West African kingdom of Dahomey.
• Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood.
• Historical Context: Conflict in the region with looming European colonization.

The Agojie

• Description: Elite all-woman army, known as "Amazons" by Europeans.
• Size: 6,000-strong force.
• Historical Role:
  • Conducted raids, took captives.
  • Played a key role in Dahomey's military dominance.
  • Formed possibly as early as 1729.
  • Incorporated formally under King Ghezo.
• Training: Intense, included mock assaults and tests of stoicism.
• Structure: Five branches including artillery women, elephant hunters, and archers.

Historical Characters and Events

• King Ghezo: Real historical figure, reigned 1818-1858, pivotal in Dahomey's history.
• Fictional Characters: Nanisca and Nawi, inspired by real individuals but fictionalized for the film.
• Dahomey's Politics: Ghezo ended tributary status to Oyo, shifted economy from slave trade to palm oil under British pressure.

Dahomey and the Slave Trade

• Dahomey's Role: Major player in the West African slave trade, involvement until 1852.
• Economic Shift: Attempted shift to palm oil, unsuccessful compared to slave trade.
• Criticism: Film's portrayal of Agojie as critics of the slave trade is historically questioned.

Impact of French Colonization

• First Franco-Dahomean War: Began in 1890, pivotal battles resulted in heavy Agojie casualties.
• Second Franco-Dahomean War: 1892, marked by 23 engagements over seven weeks.
• Aftermath: Dahomey became a French colony, decline of women's roles in politics and military.

Legacy of the Agojie

• Cultural Impact: Agojie traditions persisted through storytelling and rituals.
• Modern Recognition: Inspired fictional groups like Black Panther's Dora Milaje.
• Historical Erasure: French colonization attempted to suppress Dahomey's history including women's contributions.

Conclusion

The story of the Agojie and Dahomey is complex, involving themes of gender roles, colonialism, and historical memory. The Woman King highlights these themes, bringing attention to a remarkable yet historically overshadowed chapter of African history.