Seh-Dong-Hong-Beh, a name that means ‘God Speaks True’ in the Fon language, was a remarkable leader of the Mino, also known as the Ahosi (the wives of the king) or the Dahomey Amazons. She was born in 1835 in the Kingdom of Dahomey, which is located in present-day Benin, West Africa. Ghezo, the eleventh king of Dahomey from 1818 to 1858, was the ruler of Dahomey during much of the life of She-Dong-Hong-Beh, Ghezo was known for leading Dahomey when it expanded its territory. He also played a significant role in the abolition of the slave trade in Dahomey, promoting the cultivation of palm oil and other crops as alternative sources of income. However, the Mino, also known as the Dahomey Amazons, were established nearly two centuries earlier by King Houegbadja, the third king of Dahomey, who ruled from 1645 to 1685.
Seh-Dong-Hong-Beh’s parents are not well-documented in historical records, as many women from this period often lack detailed biographical information. However, she was part of a group of female warriors who were forbidden to marry or have children after joining the military. Many of these women remained virgins, and some underwent female genital mutilation as part of their service in the military.
Seh-Dong-Hong-Beh was recruited as a young girl into the Mino and became well-known for her exceptional combat skills and her dedication to protecting her king. Additionally, enslaved women were also recruited into the Dahomey army. Once enslaved, they were trained as warriors and integrated into the military, with the promise of eventual freedom if they performed well in battle.
Like other Mino, Seh-Dong-Hong-Beh was skilled in the use of a diverse array of weapons. They utilized muskets, cutlasses, different types of swords for close combat, spears and axes, showcasing their tactical skills and adaptability in battle. Seh-Dong-Hong-Beh, in particular, was known for her ruthless training of women for combat.
By 1851, although she was only sixteen, Seh-Dong-Hong-Beh commanded an impressive army of 6,000 female warriors who fought against the enemies of Dahomey. That same year they launched a strategic assault on the Egba fortress of Abeokuta, aiming to capture enslaved individuals from the Egba people for the Dahomey slave trade. This action, however, prompted She-Dong-Hong-Beh’s rebellion against King Ghezo who despite contrary promises, continued to participate in the transatlantic slave trade. Although the rebellion failed, her actions, motivated by a desire to protect her people and assert their rights against exploitation and violence, significantly undermined the Dahomey slave trade.
Seh-Dong-Hong-Beh is believed to have died around 1860 when she was 25. The exact circumstances of her death remain a mystery. It is unknown as to whether she died in battle or from other causes. Her brief life and untimely death left behind a remarkable legacy of courage and determination. It specifically challenged the idea that men were the only effective warriors in battle.
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