Honouring the Women Warriors of Dahomey

New Monument to Visit Honouring the Women Warriors of Dahomey

From Mark-Anthony Johnson

Benin unveils 30m ‘Amazon’ statue honouring the women warriors of Dahomey, the inspiration of countless movies: The presidential guard shrank to toy #soldiers at the bare feet of a towering new bronze honouring the only documented all-female army in modern history. (see cover image)

Fortifi ed by the Agojie strike force in what is now #Benin, the #KingdomofDahomey became one of #Africa’s most powerful states in the 18th and 19th centuries. European colonisers who clashed with the #women called them the #Amazons after the merciless warriors of #Greek mythology.

Organisers of this week’s independence celebrations in Benin’s capital #Cotonou battled to keep the 30m (98ft) likeness of the Agojie leader Queen Hangbe under wraps: the veil tugged down by President Patrice Talon at the offi cial unveiling ceremony barely reached its knee.

“We don’t celebrate enough of what is gratifying in us, and in others, enough to instill pride in ourselves and in our community. What we sing daily to the point of sometimes baptizing them “Beninoiseries”.

“It’s time to get rid of this false complex that isolates us, divides us, makes us afraid of each other, inhibits us and feeds our underdevelopment. It is time to discover ourselves and to value what is great in us”, urges the Head of State during the inauguration of the monument”

“It is time to be aware and proud of what we are Benin: the successful fusion of these ancient great kingdoms and peoples that are the baatonou, berba, wassangari, yoruba, adja, fon, goun, waama, batammariba, yom, peulh, and many others; each as deserving as the other,”

▲ The Amazons were known for their fearlessness and strength (Image credit: Chris Hellier/Getty Images) ► The inspiration for the Dora Milaje, the all-female special forces unit in the Marvel film Black Panther, is rooted in reality (Credit: Marvel/ Disney)

added President Patrice Talon.

FYI: The inspiration for the Dora Milaje, the all-female special forces unit in the Marvel fi lm Black Panther, is rooted in reality. Read more on the legend of Benin’s fearless female warriors at: https://lnkd.in/egMsRwHz.

Benin is an #AfCFTA member country. Find article here.