The polychrome earthen bas-reliefs of the ajalala (palace) of King Béhanzin, Abomey, Benin

Earthen bas-reliefs were used as an essential decorative feature in the facades of most of the palaces. For a society without written documents, these bas-reliefs serve as a unique record of the past. They represent the most significant events in the evolution of the Fon people and their empire, glorifying the military victories and power of each king and documenting the Fon people's myths, customs and rituals. The walls show that the military might of the Abomey kingdom was based, in part, on companies of female warriors who matched their male counterparts in fierceness and courage. They also portray mythical animals that symbolized the characteristics of the kings and their power as rulers. During his trip to Dahomey (now Benin), Elisofon visited the royal palace at the town of Abomey, in the Fon people region. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for Westinghouse Film and traveled to Africa from October 26, 1970 to end of March 1971.