The four giant aluminium tusks that arch over Moi Avenue in pairs are the most photographed thing in Mombasa, and easily the strangest piece of public sculpture on the Kenyan coast. They were erected in 1952 to commemorate Princess Elizabeth's visit, and have stood there ever since — first painted white, now polished aluminium. Pass under them in a tuk-tuk on the way into town and the city announces itself.
Mombasa Tusks
Four giant aluminium elephant tusks arching over Moi Avenue
A story
The tusks were put up in 1952 for the visit of the then-Princess Elizabeth (she became Queen during her Kenya trip when her father died), and the letter M is hidden in the way they cross — for Mombasa, or for Monarchy, depending on whom you ask.