The Amazon Statue: a Tribute to the Courageous Women Warriors of Dahomey
The Amazon Statue in Dahomey, Benin, stands 30 meters tall in the heart of Cotonou. This awe-inspiring bronze-covered metal structure commemorates the valiant women warriors who formed the only documented female army in modern history, a fascinating chapter that has captured the world’s imagination.
Source: Ewe Pride
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Nestled on the “Esplanade des Amazones,” behind the Marina Palace, the Amazon statue emerges as a commanding symbol in Benin’s evolving tourist landscape. Part of the urban and landscape development program along Marina Boulevard, the statue is more than a work of art; it’s a powerful ode to the women warriors of Dahomey.
The Amazons, a formidable military elite created by Queen Tassi Hangbé, held a significant role in defending the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey. Queen Hangbé, who ruled from 1708 to 1711, laid the foundation for this purely female army, and later, King Guézo, in 1820, further honed and established the Amazons as a special elite corps tasked with safeguarding the sovereign and the kingdom. Their unwavering motto echoed the sentiment: “Win or die.”
The Amazon Monument is more than an architectural marvel; it encapsulates the resilience, bravery, and historical significance of these courageous women, who defended their land at the cost of their lives. Through its towering presence, the statue immortalizes a crucial chapter in Benin’s history.
In the current global tourism landscape, Benin recognizes the importance of aligning with transformative developments. Following in the footsteps of iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Renaissance monument, the Great Wall, and the Statue of Liberty, Benin has strategically chosen the Amazon as its visual identity, a symbol that resonates with the country’s rich cultural heritage.
As the Amazon statue becomes an integral part of Cotonou’s skyline, it beckons tourists and enthusiasts to explore the historical legacy of Dahomey’s warrior women. Benin, through this remarkable monument, not only pays homage to its past but also embraces the evolving dynamics of tourism, inviting the world to witness the extraordinary tale of the Amazons of Dahomey, eternally preserved in the colossal embrace of the Amazon statue.
