This tapestry illustrates the feat achieved by Gezo, the king of Dahomey, while he was still just a young prince. According to legend, he brought down a buffalo with his bare hands. This event became his royal emblem and the subject of his motto: “The powerful buffalo crosses the country and nothing can stop it or stand in its way.”

From 1818 to 1858, King Gezo reigned over the kingdom of Dahomey, which extended over the territory of the present-day Republic of Benin. His magnificent palace and ceremonies were the work of specialised artists and workshops that reported to the king. The outstanding art of textile appliqué, in particular, evolved within the workshops of the Hantan, Zinflou, and later Yémadjé, families.

In 1851, the kingdom of Dahomey and France signed a treaty formalising their diplomatic and trade relations. For the occasion, King Gezo gave Napoleon III several wall-hangings, including this one, produced with colourful cut-out textile appliqué applied onto white canvas. In return, the French emperor sent numerous gifts, including weapons, furniture, jewellery, and an equestrian portrait of himself.