Adjanou – The Adja people, an ethnic group inhabiting the south-west of Benin and the south-east of Togo.

Akassa / Lio / Gui – A medium-sized ball of gelatinous dough made from water and corn flour, traditionally sold wrapped in leaves. A staple most often eaten with various soups and meats.

Amiwo – A classic Fon dish, also known as pâte rouge, a thick dough made of corn flour, spices, and tomato paste.

Atangoué – A small, hard-shelled calabash used to hold water or powder. It plays an important role in traditional culture.

Bokonon – A Vodun priest, a conduit of the Fa who interprets signs and messages received during ceremony and shares them with the inquiring party.

Dada Sègbo – An all-powerful Vodun deity seen as the “father” of the universe or all creation. In folktales, he manifests as an archetypal king, taking the place of the story’s general sovereign figure.

Dan – A principal Vodun deity represented as a snake. Associated with the rainbow, abundance, prosperity, and the element of air.

Dobligodo – A Beninese and Nigerian mythical creature without limbs, often described as completely round.

Fa – A divinatory system and means of communication with the spiritual world in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana. An oracle that provides guidance and often prescribes rituals and sacrifices. Also called Ifa.

Iroko – A tropical Central African tree that is highly sacred in Vodun. For the Fon, it is the site of many rituals and is believed to house spirits.

Kpézin – A traditional southern Beninese drum made from a clay base in either small or large sizes. Notably used for popular traditional rhythms such as zinli.

Torkpor, Méhou, Adjaho, Migan – High ministers in the traditional royal court who carried out the orders and sentencing of the king.

Toxossou – A Vodun divinity of fresh water. Often associated with lakes or rivers, and also the divinity of stillborn or deformed births.

Waist beads/je – Strings of beads traditionally worn around the waist by many West African women. They are an intimate adornment, symbolizing sexuality, and are generally seen only by one’s intimate partner.

Yehwe – Vodun spirit.

Yogbo – A trickster figure in Fon folktales.