When it comes to badass historical figures, few can rival the all-female warriors of the Kingdom of Dahomey, better known as the Dahomey Amazons. These fierce fighters weren’t just a myth; they were a disciplined, battle-hardened army. Today, their legacy lives on in Benin, most prominently through the imposing Amazon statue in Cotonou.
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The Dahomey Amazons statue in Cotonou, the coolest monument to a woman?
Standing at 30 metres (98 feet), the Amazon statue in Cotonou is an incredible tribute to the female warriors of Dahomey. Unveiled in 2022, this golden monument stands as one of the most impressive landmarks in West Africa. With a rifle in hand and a defiant gaze, the Amazon embodies the strength, courage, and resilience of these legendary women.
The statue was commissioned by the Beninese government as part of an effort to reclaim and honor its pre-colonial history. It stands near the Place de l’Amazone, a key site in Cotonou’s ongoing cultural renaissance. It is meants as a statement: Benin’s past is not forgotten, and its female warriors remain a source of national pride.
The statue also incorporates intricate details that reflect the Amazons’ history, including symbolic patterns representing their military hierarchy and traditional Dahomean motifs. At night, the statue is illuminated, further emphasizing its commanding presence over the city skyline.
While the Amazon statue in Cotonou, is a significant monument, it is not the tallest statue of a woman in the world. That distinction belongs to “The Motherland Calls” in Volgograd, Russia, which stands at 85 meters (279 feet) tall. But it still one of the greatest piece we’ve ever seen – and for that reason, one of the very first stops on our Benin tours!
Who were the Abomey Amazons?
The Dahomey Amazons were an elite corps of female soldiers who served the Kingdom of Dahomey from the 17th to the 19th century. Originally formed as royal bodyguards, they evolved into a full-fledged military force, feared across West Africa. These women were trained in hand-to-hand combat, wielded muskets with deadly precision, and followed a strict code of discipline.
European accounts often described them as ruthless warriors who showed no mercy in battle. Their fearless reputation often led to enemy troops retreating before a battle even began. However, despite their impressive record, their last major conflict against French colonial forces in the late 19th century ended in defeat due to superior European weaponry. Though the French ultimately defeated Dahomey in 1894, the legend of the Amazons endured.
Who was the Woman King?
While the origins of the Amazons go back centuries, they were formally organized as a military unit under King Ghezo, who reigned from 1818 to 1858. Ghezo restructured the Dahomean army, expanding the ranks of the Amazons and giving them an even more prominent role in warfare.
One of the most famous figures associated with the Dahomey Amazons was Queen Hangbe, who is often credited with their creation. Though her reign was short (circa 1708-1711), she is believed to have laid the foundation for what would become one of the fiercest fighting forces in African history. Hangbe’s legacy remains strong in Benin, and her descendants still play a role in preserving the Amazons’ memory.
Queen Hangbe is now revered in Beninese culture and honored during traditional ceremonies. Many local historians argue that her role was diminished in historical records due to the patriarchal nature of the time, but her legacy endures among those who celebrate Dahomey’s warrior women.
Her story gained international recognition with the 2022 film The Woman King, starring Viola Davis, which dramatized the rise of the Dahomey Amazons and their battles against colonial forces. The film introduced a global audience to the legacy of Queen Hangbe and the fearless warriors she led. Part of it was actually filmed in the Royal Palaces of Abomey.
Why are they still important in today’s Benin?
The Amazons of Abomey are more than just a historical curiosity, they are an incredible symbol of strength, independence, and African heritage. In modern Benin, they represent the power of women and the resilience of the nation in the face of adversity.
The Amazon statue in Cotonou is a physical manifestation of this legacy, inspiring young Beninese people to take pride in their history. The warriors’ story also resonates globally, influencing pop culture, from movies like The Woman King to Marvel’s Dora Milaje in Black Panther.
For those traveling to Benin, visiting the Amazon statue is a must, not just for its artistic brilliance, but for the powerful story it tells.
What to visit in Benin related to the Amazons
If you’re visiting Benin and want to explore the legacy of the Amazons further, there are several must-see sites:
- The Royal Palaces of Abomey: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the former palaces of Dahomey’s kings provide a deep dive into the kingdom’s history. The site includes artifacts, murals, and weapons once used by the Amazons.
- The Amazons’ Training Grounds: Near Abomey, some historical sites are believed to have been training areas for the Amazons. Local guides can provide insights into their rigorous training methods.
- The Museum of History in Ouidah: Though primarily focused on the transatlantic slave trade, this museum also houses exhibits on Dahomey’s military history, including the Amazons.
Exploring these sites offers a deeper understanding of the Amazons’ impact and their lasting significance in Benin today. They are also a highlight of our Benin tours!
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