The Berlin Conference Mural

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The Berlin Conference convened by the Germans took place from November 1884 until February 1885.  It was prompted by King Leopold’s actions in the Congo which makes Congo central to the story of the partitioning of Africa.  According to historical sources, the Berlin Conference did not partition the continent - that process was already underway on the ground with European nations establishing their spheres of influence.  It merely formalized the partitioning and carved up the continent between major imperial powers.
Not far from Mavré pharmacy in Brazzaville, stands a tiled mural - a moving and evocative tribute to the Berlin Conference.  The images painted on the tiles portray slave trade and subsequent colonial domination by Europe.  One picture depicts the European leaders gathered around a table, their hands like claws and faces vulture-like. Another, Africans carrying heavy loads to be taken to Europe to satisfy the need for raw materials in the age of industrial revolution. There are also images of African resistance.  This mural is easily overlooked - if it wasn’t for Zeinab Badawi’s series on the history of Africa, I would have passed by it many times without giving it a second look.

 

Source:

Kongo and the Scramble for Africa with Zeinab Badawi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0v_SwObQns&t=2134s

 

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