The National Museum and other Lome, Togo Things to Do Tips

The National Museum in Lome has very good displays of the history and culture of Togo including some of Benin and Nigeria, as these countries have close links historically and some tribes are common in all these countries.
The building is modern and air conditioned, with the displays well set out and labelled in French. There is an English speaking guide available.
On the ground floor the displays concentrate on the history and culture of the tribes with examples of hats worn by the Fulani, a dowry hat with horns for weddings, musical instruments, farming tools, drums, weapons and furniture, textiles, pottery and baskets as well as photographs of the Tata Somba houses of the North.
In the basement the display concentrates on history, particularly slavery, with examples of chains and shackles and weapons.
There are photographs of the signing of the protectorate treaty in 1884 b etween the King of Togoland and Germany, and of the many important governors, presidents and royalty associated with Togoland in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Leave a Comment

Independance was given to Togo in 1960 and the movement towards independance was started by women, when the women who ran market stalls started to protest against the high taxes imposed by the French colonialists.
The statue in independance square represents a woman holding a torch, and this torch is lit every year on the anniversary of independance to commemorate the women who fought for it.

Leave a Comment

A Fetish market is not for everybody. Some people may be shocked or offended by what they see there so if you are sensitive about animals don't go.
The Fetish market in Lome is easy for tourists to visit - not all of them are and some do not welcome tourists at all. This one has a guide who will show you around and explain what you see for sale which is mostly animals and parts of animals that are used to guard against disease, treat disease or to facilitate events or enhance skills. For example a monkey is used to increase intelligence, a bat is for male virility, a snake is used for snake bites.
At the end of the tour they will try to get you to have a consultation, which you have to pay for, but they are OK if you refuse, which I did.
There are aslo souvenirs for sale - the so-called Voodoo dolls with pins sticking out of them, which are not used at all in Voodoo and are purely for sale to tourists. They also sell the fetish pouches to wear round your neck. I'm not sure what's in them!

Leave a Comment

The Catholic Cathedral in Lome is next to the Grand Market. It was built by the first catholic mission to Togo before the first world war.

Leave a Comment