Fon

/fɑn/ noun

Definition

A historical kingdom in West Africa (present-day Benin), or a member of the Fon people and their language.

Etymology

From the Fon language itself, 'Fon' or 'Fɔ̀n,' used by the people who built the historical Kingdom of Dahomey. The term has been used since at least the 17th century in European records.

Kelly Says

The Fon Kingdom was ruled by powerful women generals called Ahosi, the 'Wives of the King,' who fought alongside male warriors—one of history's most organized female military units that Europeans barely recorded!

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