Dec
Naga Monument For Peace
Posted under Art, |
This towering sculpture was built as a monument to peace by the Cambodian artists Toun Thorneakea, Ou Vanndy, Ouk Chim Vichet and Kim Samdy. It was created using weapons surrendered from the previous years of military conflict in Cambodia.
Since the Japan Assistance Team for Small Arms Management implemented its weapons collection activities in Cambodia in 2001, they and assisting organizations have collected over 28,000 weapons.
With the artistic support of Sasha Constable, the Cambodian artists build a symbol of peace and prosperity using thousands of de-commissioned weapons surrendered by the residents of Battambang Province, Cambodia. The program, which encouraged local citizens to voluntarily surrender their weapons, offers assistance to local communities in the form of water resources and infrastructure development, as well as educational programs and Agricultural Training. In addition, the initiative supports the local police through training and materials, and building confidence and communications between all parties involved.
With the cooperation of the Provincial Government, local and national police forces and the Japanese Government Assistance Program, this artwork speaks of the importance of peace for the Cambodian people.
The monument is an emblem of hope and stands as an example of the belief that peace and security for all peoples is only possible through disarmament. It signals that Cambodia is well on it's way to recovering from the decades of war that have caused so much damage and destruction to it's people.
