Sikien of Koutammakou, Republic of Benin and Togo | Africa’s Cultural Landmarks

Video Description

On either side of the border between Togo and the Republic of Benin, remarkable, castlelike residences dot the savannah landscape. Composed of organic materials, these sikien have been built by the Batammariba people since the seventeenth century. In this intimate documentary, hear from homeowners and local artisans about the cyclical lifespan of these dwellings and the efforts required to conserve this vibrant architectural legacy. This film is part of Africa’s Cultural Landmarks, produced by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in collaboration with World Monuments Fund. This documentary series directed by Sosena Solomon examines some of Africa’s notable cultural landscapes and their continued relevance to local communities. This initiative introduces new content that reframes The Met’s new Arts of Africa galleries. Learn more about the Sikien of Koutammakou here: https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/sikien-koutammakou Subscribe for new content from The Met: https://www.youtube.com/user/metmuseum #TheMet #Art #TheMetropolitanMuseumofArt #Museum © 2025 The Metropolitan Museum of Art