Cowrie shell sculpture chosen as slavery memorial for London
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Loading... - Akila Salah
- 26 Aug 2024
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The upcoming slavery memorial in London, titled "The Wake," is a significant project designed by American artist Khaleb Brooks, who has ancestral ties to the history of slavery. The memorial, which is set to be installed in 2026 at West India Quay, will take the form of a seven-meter tall bronze cowrie shell. This design was chosen due to the historical use of cowrie shells as currency in the trade of enslaved people, symbolizing both the exploitation and the human lives devalued in that era.
The memorial will feature the names of enslaved individuals and incorporate a wind-chime soundscape, creating an environment meant for reflection and remembrance. Brooks envisions the space as a place of "rest and refuge," encouraging all Londoners to engage with the artwork and reflect on the history and ongoing impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
This project, backed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan with £500,000 in funding, comes after years of efforts to establish a memorial to the victims of slavery in the UK. The memorial’s location, near the former site of a statue of Robert Milligan—a prominent enslaver removed during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests—adds to its historical significance. The timing of the announcement, following recent race-related unrest in the UK, underscores the continuing relevance of addressing racial issues and the legacy of slavery in the country.
In addition to the main memorial, "The Wake" will include satellite sites across London, featuring smaller cowrie shell sculptures, and will be accompanied by an educational program aimed at furthering understanding of this dark chapter in British history. The project is part of a broader initiative led by the mayor’s commission on diversity in the public realm, established in response to the global Black Lives Matter movement.
"The Wake" is not just a memorial but also a reminder that the effects of slavery are still felt today, and it emphasizes the need for ongoing conversations about race and racism in the UK.
