Weaving Kanvô: Benin’s Living Textile Tradition

TypeLanguage & Cultural Immersion Experiences

ThemeDay Trip

CityCotonou, Benin

Duration3 hours

About Your Experience

Private Experience This experience is exclusively for you (or your group) and won’t be shared with others.

Live an authentic, hands-on experience by watching the creation of kanvô, a Beninese woven cloth featuring intricate patterns and symbolic colours. Kanvô, known as the ‘cloth of the kings of Abomey’ and once reserved for dignitaries, dates back to the 18th century.

This activity invites you to step inside the intimate setting of a woman’s workshop in Cotonou. Unlike industrial fabrics, kanvô is a labour of love: each strip of fabric is meticulously warped and woven by hand by passionate artisans. As you listen to the rhythmic clatter of the looms, you will feel the full weight of this transition, which is majestically embodied in the various designs created by these young women. Through this meeting of tradition and innovation, the very identity of Benin is woven before your eyes.

What's Included

Professional Guide

Pickup & Drop Off

Transportation (e.g. Vehicle, Boat)

Interactive Workshop (e.g. Cooking, Craft)

What's Excluded

Personal Expenses (e.g. souvenirs, alcoholic beverages)

Travel Insurance (participants may need to arrange their own)

Souvenir or Gift

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Weaving Kanvô: Benin’s Living Textile Tradition

Duration: 3 hoursMeet Up Point: You will be picked up from your Cotonou, Benin address.

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Adult 1 x $105$105

$105

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"This ended up being one of the most unique and fun experiences I’ve had. Local, welcoming, fun and knowledgeable hosts! I’d book again in a heartbeat" — Didi

Itinerary

Start Point:

Cotonou, Benin

We will pick you up from your hotel/residence and drive to the the place of the activity. The main experience is to learn about how benin fabric kanvô is made

Cotonou, Benin

We will drop you to your hotel/residence after this amazing experience into the beninese creativity.

Highlights

Learn how kanvô is made and what materials are used.

Discover the various kanvô designs already created by the women in the workshop.

Take part in creating a new design, or try your hand at the craft of kanvô weaving.

Have conversations with the young women about their work and this traditional activity.

Take photos and videos to capture the experience.

Language(s) Offered

This experience is available in English, French and Spanish

Policies

Free cancellation up to 2 hours before the start time. No refunds for late cancellations.

This experience is a non-smoking event. Smoking is prohibited during the entire duration of the activity.

In case of extreme weather, the experience may be rescheduled or refunded.

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$105Per Person

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"I've been looking for something like this for ages — a site that actually curates African tours and activities. The hosts are all verified locals, which is why I booked - so my payment makes an impact" — Chrissy

From

$105Per Person

Weaving Kanvô: Benin’s Living Textile Tradition

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