The Amazon Monument in Cotonou: Honouring the Warrior Women of Dahomey

On the seafront in Cotonou, Benin, a bronze figure of a woman warrior rises about 30 metres into the sky. The Amazon Monument is one of the most striking landmarks in the city, and it tells a story that reaches far back into West African history.

Who were the Amazons of Dahomey?

The Amazons were an all-female regiment in the army of the Kingdom of Dahomey, in what is now Benin. The Fon people called them the Agojie, or Mino, which is said to mean “Our Mothers”. European visitors called them “Amazons”.

Accounts from the 19th century put their numbers between 1,000 and 6,000, which was roughly a third of the army. They served as front-line soldiers, as royal bodyguards, and as hunters. The regiment was disbanded after the kingdom became a French protectorate in 1894.

About the monument

The statue stands on the Esplanade des Amazones in Cotonou, between the Boulevard de la Marina and the Atlantic Ocean, opposite Independence Square and the Presidential Palace. It was unveiled on 30 July 2022 by President Patrice Talon.

It is made of a metal structure covered in bronze, and it was created by the Chinese sculptor Li Xiangqun. It weighs around 150 tons and is described as the second-tallest statue in Africa. The figure shows a young female warrior holding a rifle and a sword, in a defiant, battle-ready pose.

Tips for your visit

• Bullet: Allow time to walk around the statue and view it from the seafront.

• Early morning and late afternoon are usually more comfortable than midday heat.

• Confirm current access arrangements, and check travel and entry requirements for Benin well before you travel, because rules change.
  

• Be respectful of the site and of other visitors when taking photographs.

Plan your trip with Plum Tree Tours

If you would like to see the Amazon Monument as part of a planned tour, get in touch through our booking page and we will help you shape the right itinerary.