I spotted the statue of the Amazon from afar when I arrived in Benin in February as we drove past it. Seeing such a beautiful statue, I knew I am to make up time for a visit.
Several times I have passed the statue on my way and back from Cotonou but I didn't want to briefly stop I want to visit when I am in no rush, so today with the weather fine for outdoors I went photo hunting starting with the longest graffiti mural in Africa which I will be sharing in series.
Statue of The Amazon
Only now that I know the history behind the Statue of the Amazon, I was wondering why it is called Amazon, so when I read up on it below is what I found.
Today, one cannot tell the story of the kingdom of Danxomè, now Benin, without mentioning the Amazons. These courageous women, who at the cost of their lives had defended their native land, remain engraved in the memory of the Beninese. Warriors in every respect, the Amazons of Danxomè are revered for their valour in the face of opposing soldiers in pre-colonial times. Created by her royal highness Tassi Hangbé, this female military elite was then rehabilitated, improved and established by his majesty King Guézo, in 1820, to become a special elite corps, responsible for defending the sovereign and his kingdom.
Source
You might want to read up more by following the linked source. The statue is 30 meters in height and made of bronze, from what I have gathered each time I pass by, it looks to be an attractive spot for tourists and locals.
I translated the above from French to English as seen below
symbol of our love and our commitment for the country, now amazons knew, by their bravery, as much as the men, to save the fatherland.
Like our Amazons, the Beninese woman is our pride.
As I approached the statue after taking photos of the graffiti wall.
I like the greenery, it gives the surrounding a beautiful look.
It is a beautiful, I love the weather, just the kind of weather I won't be nagging about.
I had to get my face in as well, who goes to see Tassi Hangbé without taking a selfie with her?
The massive legs
It was around 14:00 by now the sun was getting to me so I headed home but it was nothing short of fun. I enjoyed every bit of me going out there today.
We owe it to ourselves to make Hive great
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