Bombardement de Bukavu
Songa Kaseke
Description
Subject Matter:
This sculpture was purchased in 1974 at a tourist shop in Bukavu in the former Republic of Zaire. Like the painting by Tshibumba Kanda Matulu (see UMMA 2019/2.122), Kaseke's sculpture depicts the 1967 seizure of Bukavu by Congolese rebels supported by European mercenaries. The work shows a plane dropping bombs and paratroopers on the defenseless population. The nearly naked, agonized figures resemble terracotta forms that were popular on the tourist market, representing what people viewed as “traditional” objects and souvenirs. This sculpture offers a striking contrast to Tshibumba’s painting, highlighting the different ways artists can represent the same historic moment.
Physical Description:
Carved airplane suspended above a group of huddled people, dropping bombs onto the people.
Usage Rights:
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