The Independence Monument in the capital of Togo is a tribute to the West African country’s independence from France. (From 1884 Togoland was a German protectorate; it was transferred to France after WWI.) It features a figure of a woman, sitting on a stool traditionally used for royal weddings, holding up a chalice. A flame of independence is lit in it during major events. She sits in front of a carved-out silhouette of a figure holding up their arms as if they were breaking chains.
Georges Coustère was the monument’s chief sculptor. It is carved from stone.
The sides of the silhouette bear inscriptions, including one which says in French: “People of Togo, because of your faith and sacrifice, the Togolese nation was born.” Another side bears the national motto and the following inscription: “Proclamation of the independence of Togo, 27 April 1960. Work, Liberty, Homeland.”
