Akodessawa Fetish Market
The largest market of Vodun ritual materials in West Africa, a small area of Lome where heads of animals and dried plants are displayed for practitioners.
Practised and told of here
Best time: Dry season; the market is open most days.
Akodessawa lies to the east of the Togolese capital. Priests, healers and ordinary families from Togo, Benin, Ghana and Nigeria buy materials for rites here.
What is sold
Stalls sell dried animal heads, skins, bones, feathers, herbs, shells and figures. Many items are used in offerings and in the making of protective bocio. The name fetish market was given by Europeans, and Vodun practitioners say the goods are tools of a religion with its own rules.
Conservation concern
Some of the animals on sale are protected species, and the trade has been criticised by wildlife groups. International law restricts the movement of parts of many species.
Visiting
Visit with a local guide who explains the customs and fees, and expect to pay for photographs. Do not buy parts of protected species and do not treat the stalls as a zoo. Ask whether a stall owner wishes to talk before approaching.
A respectful visit to Akodessawa Fetish Market
Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.
- The market entrance Meet the guide and agree on fees.
- A herb stall Learn what the plants are said to be used for.
- A priest's stall Greet respectfully and ask permission.
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Akodessawa Fetish Market" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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