Taneka, or Tangba, live in northwest Benin, in the Atacora mountain. This geographical position was chosen by previous generations, mainly to hide themselves during the period of the slave trade. The economy of Taneka people is based on agriculture and livestock, and they live in small roundly-shaped houses with thatched roofs.
There are 2 sub-groups, Tanéka Béri “great taneka” and Tanéka Koko, and they get their name from their village. Over the years, the native Kabye population was joined by groups of Bariba and Gourmantche. Forced coexistence in the same area gave rise to new villages where cultures rites and beliefs mingled, without conflict and friction, giving rise to a single people: the Taneka, or Tangba.
Photo © Jordi Zaragozà Anglès