Slavery Monument

On June 16, 2013, Rotterdam unveiled the Slavery Monument to commemorate the Netherlands’ role in slavery. The unveiling coincided with Ketikoti, the Surinamese holiday celebrating emancipation. An estimated 80,000 Rotterdam citizens have roots in slavery. The monument, titled "Clave," was designed by Angolan artist Alex da Silva. It shows dancing figures atop a ship-shaped structure—a symbol of resilience and freedom. The inscription reads: "The body of the slave is taken but their spirit remains forever free." Commissioned by the Rotterdam city council, it also marked 150 years since abolition in 2015. Though da Silva passed away in 2019, his legacy lives on in this powerful tribute.