King of Holland Gold chariot with the image of enslaved blacks | The world

The historical monument is at the center of the debate on colonialism and racism in Dutch society.

Since 2015, the luxury royal cart made of gold-plated wood has not been used by the Dutch royal family and has been discontinued for renovation. Prior to that, the golden chariot was used by kings for Christianity, weddings, and other important occasions.

After a complete overhaul that lasted five years, the car is now the center of a controversy in the country due to its decorative panels.

On the left, a painting of the colonial period depicts enslaved blacks kneeling before whites and a woman seated on a throne. Holland. Blacks give him cocoa and cane (See image below).

The painting “Respect for the Colonies” also shows A young man gives a book to a black boy in a scene in which painter Nicholas van der Waes represents “civilization” in 1896.

The debate on the topic sparked an uprising in the country.

On the one hand, the groups accuse the monarchy of glorifying a period of racist and inhumane oppression in the country. Defenders of art, on the other hand, regard the cart as a historical object. It reveals important moments Holland It should not be deleted.

In a statement issued on Thursday in an official video, King said the Dutch community was “not ready” to see the so-called “Cotton Coats” on the streets again during official ceremonies.

“We can not rewrite the past. We can try to accept it together. This also applies to the colonial past,” said Willem-Alexander. “Only Gouten Koets can be used Holland You are ready for it. And that is not the case at present. ”.

“As long as people live Holland Those who feel the pain of discrimination in everyday life, the past will still cast its shadow on our time, ”the king added.

Videos: Latest International News