AFRICAN MONUMENTS The Giant Sandal Statue, known as the Shida Monument, is located in Shida Square in Asmara, Eritrea’s capital. Erected in 2001 to mark the 10th anniversary of Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia, the monument symbolizes the sacrifices of Eritrean freedom fighters during the 30-year independence war (1961–1991). The shida (Arabic for sandals, also called "Kongo" in Tigrinya) were the primary footwear of Eritrean guerrillas. Made from recycled tire rubber or inexpensive plastic, these sandals were durable, cheap, and practical for navigating Eritrea’s rugged terrain in sweltering heat. They allowed fighters to move swiftly and were easily repaired by melting broken straps over a fire. Unlike traditional war memorials depicting heroes or weapons, the shida statue is unique for its humility, focusing on an everyday item that carried fighters to victory. #eritrea🇪🇷