Patrick Zachmann A man kneels in front of the statue of Behanzin at the exhibition opening, Cotonou, Benin, 2022. © Patrick Zachmann | Magnum Photos

Patrick Zachmann King of Abomey-Calavi stands in front of Glele and Behanzin statues, with Guezo behind. Cotonou, Benin, 2022. © Patrick Zachmann | Magnum Photos

Patrick Zachmann The public opening of the exhibition at the Presidential Palace, Cotonou, Benin, 2022. © Patrick Zachmann | Magnum Photos

Patrick Zachmann © Patrick Zachmann | Magnum Photos

Patrick Zachmann Four doors from King Glele's palace are moved to a storage facility before being given back to Benin authorities, Paris, France, 2021. © Patrick Zachmann | Magnum Photos

Patrick Zachmann Teams at the Musée de quai Branley - Jacques Chirac prepare for the departure of Abomey's royal treasures, Paris, France, 2021. © Patrick Zachmann | Magnum Photos

Patrick Zachmann The Statue of King Behanzin as a half shark, half man, is moved to a storage facility before being sent back to Benin, Paris, France, 2021. © Patrick Zachmann | Magnum Photos

Patrick Zachmann Several objects, previously in storage, are taken out by Gaëlle Beaujean, in charge of the African collections, to be shown to a scenographer and additional specialists in preparation for a final, (...)