Massive Statue by Chinese Artist Rises Over the Benin City of Cotonou

Folashadé Soulé is a senior research associate at Oxford University's Global Economic Governance program.

The 30-meter-high Statue of the Amazon (“Statue de l’Amazone”) is a tribute to the all-female military regiment in the 18th century Kingdom of Dahomey that is now present-day Benin.

Chinese artist Li Xiangqun won the commission to build the statue following an extensive selection process that began three years ago. The statue was paid for by the government of Benin. (VUDAF — in French)

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