IGUN STREET - BRONZE FOUNDRY STREET

A relic of the Edo civilization and its mastery of bronze art, Igun street hosts about thirty craft and souvenir shops. If the first ones are provided and their tenants are fond of the tourist language, the goods diminish and dust accumulates as we move away from the entrance of the street. But that's the point! To find the original part that has been hidden at the bottom of a reduction, hidden under years of oblivion. The entrance to the street is marked by a clay-coloured arch flocked with a bronze coat of arms, which announces "La gude des fonddeurs de bronze du Benin". The latter also claims to provide access to a World Heritage site.

You will see many modern "bronzes", far too flashy to be honest and often hastily molded with a relatively ugly look. The old bronze is coppery, even black, and many pieces are scattered randomly from the stalls. Halfway up the street, if you persist until then, you may see two huge horses of almost real size and some old parts. If you take your time and make friends with one of the craftsmen, ask to see his workshop and have someone explain the technique of casting and bronze casting to you. If you are tired of copper tones, many wooden statues and other local crafts, including the famous pearl necklaces of the Oba.