For anyone, the sculpture would pass as an iconic throne that would look great in any palace or imposing edifice. But the current owner’s throne is more than that. It represents the people of Mozambique’s losses, pain, and resilience in facing the future and saying “never again to war.”
The throne represents Mozambique artist Goncalo Mabunda’s childhood memories of the devastation caused by guns and bullets during the country’s 15-year civil war.
Mabunda is known for building thrones, but the Throne of the Present Owner is unique in that it was built with pistols, rocket launchers, and AK47s, according to the Jack and Bell gallery. They are arms that were given to him after the Christian Council collected weapons from the Mozambique civil war.
Mozambique’s civil war began only two years after the country gained independence from Portugal.
According to Black Past, Mozambique was a pun caught in the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States, who were supplying feuding factions with ammunition.
In a country with a population of 14 million people at the time, the war claimed one million lives.
Mabunda’s artwork is intended to send a strong political message to governments, stating that the fledgling peace must be protected and made as beautiful as the throne. It also represents the power of art to inspire change, as well as the tenacity and creativity of the African art community.
The throne also represents military might, tribal representations of the Mozambican people, and the rarity of African art.
These themes have a strong influence on Mabunda’s worldview, whose childhood was filled with blood and pain as a result of an unjust war.
He is always in touch with his memories of Mozambique and where they are going.
As much as the sentiments that drove the country into civil strife still have sway in its politics, he seeks to remind them with the throne to use dialogue rather than arms to resolve their differences.
Curators have argued that while Mabunda’s work is steeped in traditional art, when viewed through a modern lens, it shares a connection with the works of Braque and Picasso.
When the Present Owner’s Throne is viewed symbolically, the guns and bullets that make up the main structure of the throne are supposed to evoke fear, but they are instead in a sphere that preaches change and hope.
Mabunda was born in 1975 in Maputo, Mozambique. According to Rdn Arts, his works have catapulted him to international prominence over the years.
His work has been featured in numerous international exhibitions, including the first Mozambican artist at the Venice Biennale.
Former US President Bill Clinton is a big fan of Mabunda’s work and is said to have bought some of it.
His work is regarded by the international media as representing African identity and culture.
He is also known for promoting development and uplifting local communities through his work.