Just north of Cotonou, Benin is Ganvié, a town of 18,500 inhabitants who live in bamboo huts on stilts several kilometres out on Lake Nokoué. In the 18th century, the Tofinu people built the village as protection against the aggression of the Fon and Dahomey kingdoms; religious custom forbade warriors from venturing into water. Now, houses, restaurants, shops and even a hotel are built 2m (6ft) above the water. It was an interesting boat ride to see their town on stilts.
Keith R. Brinkman
Serving with Mercy Ships
