Kétou

Kétou is an administrative commune in Benin's Plateau Department, spread across elevated terrain with multiple settlements and agricultural areas. The region functions as a local market hub where farmers and merchants gather to trade produce and handmade goods.

Leadership in Kétou dates back to around 1900, when traditional chiefs governed the area following established customs and local rules. This traditional system formed the foundation for later administrative development as a modern commune.

Artisans in Kétou maintain wood carving and textile crafts that reflect local stories and family traditions passed down through generations. These skills remain central to how people express their creativity and identity in daily life.

Walking through the rural paths and settlements offers the best way to explore Kétou, especially in the morning when markets are busiest. It is helpful to expect uneven terrain and to respect the local daily rhythm, since shops and activities follow the rhythm of daylight.

Local wood carvers have developed distinctive patterns that tell stories about the community and its regional connections. These personal designs are not standardized but reflect each artisan's own observations and experiences.

Location: Plateau Department

Elevation above the sea: 112 m

GPS coordinates: 7.35806,2.60750

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:44