On July 1, 1863, the Netherlands, as one of the last countries in Europe, abolished slavery. The National Monument on the History of Slavery, by renowned Surinamese artist Erwin de Vries, serves as a place for reflection and remembrance of the Dutch transatlantic slavery past.
The photo shows a branch of a cotton plant placed near the statue in Oosterpark. This branch serves as a reminder of one of the products of the plantations in the Caribbean. In the days leading up to July 1, Keti Koti – the breaking of the chains – Erwin de Vries’ sculptures will be dressed by the Surinamese community in Amsterdam. On display these weeks in the Oosterpark.
Image: Buitenkunst Amsterdam
Text: Annemarie de Wildt
