Zanzibar is this great island located off the coast of Tanzania. Today Zanzibar is well known for its beautiful deserter beaches and peaceful retreats it offers - for a price- to people seeking quiet, sun surf and plenty of shells ( warning: taking shells out of MOST countries is a fellony! )
Turning to history, Zamzibar was one of the main, if not THE MAIN, departure point for slaves to leave Africa.
While taking a lazy stroll, Ian and I found " down town zanzibar " or the main point in town, old town.
There you can find Santa Monica's church, a maginficient church, that judging by its facade, it has served as a church, and mosque... as well as a " last exit point for slaves " here slaves siad their last prayers before being hauled to ships waiting on shore.
In the courtyard of this mildew covered church, lies a monument to slavery.
Is a "pit" perhaps 12 ft x 12 ft by 6 ft deep . In it, are 5 or 6 afircan men and women standing with somber faces tied to each other by chains around their necks. The end of the chain padlocked to the bottom of the pit.
WOW.
I have heard and read and study the slave issue ... but i have NEVER , EVER, been so MOVED - to the point of tears- to see these sculptures. This is truly one case where a picture says a thousand words....
1 comment:
Good post.
Post a Comment