Site des hommes à queue, Archaeological site in Dogbo-Tota, Benin.
Site des hommes à queue is an archaeological site in Dogbo-Tota with a network of underground tunnels and chambers stretching beneath the earth. The excavation openings are covered with thatched shelters, and two earthen structures at the entrance serve those who oversee the location.
The location was a center of mining activity between the 9th and 15th centuries, when iron ore was extracted from underground shafts. This intensive use across multiple centuries left traces that remain visible in the landscape and below ground today.
Local stories describe mysterious craftspeople who came to markets in the early morning to sell their wares while hiding something from view. These tales continue to shape how people think and speak about this place today.
Visitors should prepare for uneven ground and tight access points, as the underground areas have limited openings and are sometimes difficult to reach. A visit is best during drier months, as rain can make conditions at the site more challenging.
The underground spaces are arranged in geometric patterns that naturally allow air to move between the chambers in a balancing way. This shows how early miners already understood physical principles when designing their work areas.
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