Benin: Discovering the udders of Savè

The specificities of Savè's udder

The Mamelles de Savè have an altitude of 404 m. Geologically, they are composed of rocks such as gneiss, granite and quartzite.

However, according to the traditional beliefs of the natives of the city of Savè, each of these hills has a specific name and is home to deities. It is therefore possible to distinguish the following three hills:

• Oké Oyi-Amon ;
• Oké Adjagbo ;
• Oké Ifolo.

The hill that bears the name of Oké Oyi-Amon produces butter with therapeutic properties. This is a real solution that allowed the ancestors to cure severe illnesses and serious injuries.

As for the hill named Oké Adjagbo, it is the seat of the deities of the kingdom of Savè. We are talking here about a sacred place whose visit is reserved only for distinguished natives. We will come back to the sacredness of this hill later in this article.

Finally, the hill called Oké Ifolo or Ini Shabè according to other sources, is added to the other two to form the three breasts of Savè. It also houses a deity who plays his own role in the protection of the city of Savè.

The sanctity of the udders of Savè

The udders of Savè continue to be sacred to this day. Ancestral beliefs mention that each hill houses a given deity.

The most important when it comes to the deities of the Shabè country is the Oké Adjagbo hill. It is an area prohibited to foreigners and non-nago nationals. Only a few given native communities are naturally allowed since ancestral time. They go there every year for rituals and sacrifices on behalf of the entire city of Savè. Any foreign person will disappear if they go to this sacred breast. Even the king of the city cannot access this part of the hills, if he is not a national of the authorized communities.

However, it is not impossible to visit the udders of Savè. You can indeed walk on these hills, but preferably with a tourist guide who masters the area, before venturing to climb these " udders ".

The breasts of Savè: a site of refuge and protection for the inhabitants

The Savè breasts served as a refuge for the inhabitants of the region during the period when slavery reigned in Africa. They hid in the waterfalls between the root of the hills and the earth to protect themselves against the invader.

When the times of fighting came, the refugees used the carved stones from the hills of Savè to fight fiercely. It was their defense weapon to resist against the enemy. The remains of these stones as well as the places of refuge are still visible on the spot.

In addition, until today, the divine spirits that inhabit the breasts of Savè protect the city against its enemies and against bad luck. This is the reason for the above-mentioned annual rituals which are done as a form of prayer and thanksgiving.

Speaking of protection, various Christian religions and even animists go to pray from time to time on the hills of Savè. Ordinary people also go there to address complaints to the divine.

The natural reserves of the hills of Savè

The breasts of Savè are full of natural resources useful to the inhabitants of the city.
Behind and around these giant hills, there are several animal species (monkeys, mountain goats, deer, etc.) which serve of game to the great hunters of the town of Savè and the region.

The hills of Savè are also home to several inexhaustible water sources that served as beverages for refugees from ancient times and for animals. Today, the women and children of the city take the opportunity to do their daily laundry.

In addition, there is beautiful greenery on both sides of these hills. There are of course medicinal plants known to the wise and used to relieve pregnant women and cure incurable diseases.

Leisure and entertainment on the hills of Savè

The space at the foot of the hills of Savè serves as a place of leisure and entertainment where picnics, small parties and meetings are organized by the young people of the city.

Sports activities are also organized nowadays around the Mamelles de Savè. We can mention the second edition of the ascent of the breasts of Savè whose stakes were unveiled on April 13, 2021, by the main organizers.

The Mamelles de Savè are also one of the tourist sites the most visited in the region. Tourists like to go there to enjoy the climate of the hills and this breathtaking view of the whole the town of Savè.

Ultimately, the Mamelles de Savè constitute a cultural heritage and a landmark in the department of the hills. Imposing, sacred and picturesque, they undoubtedly make up the beauty of the town of Savè. The elders and natives of the city of Savè are particularly attached to the protective nature of these udders. Do not hesitate to take a walk in this magnificent landscape to visit these marvelous hills in the shape of the breasts of a young woman. You will live a unique and memorable experience.