In a contentious move, the statue of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro has been reinstated in the heart of Lima, Peru, over two decades after its removal. The unveiling took place during a ceremony celebrating the city's 490th anniversary, marking a significant moment in Peru's historical narrative. Pizarro, who founded Lima in 1535 after conquering the Inca Empire, is viewed as a symbol of oppression by Indigenous communities, while supporters argue that history should not be erased.
Revival of Controversial Monument: Pizarro's Statue Returns to Lima
Revival of Controversial Monument: Pizarro's Statue Returns to Lima
A long-standing debate is reignited with the reinstallation of the statue of Francisco Pizarro in Lima, sparking both celebration and protest.
The statue, crafted by American artist Charles Rumsey, was originally gifted to Lima in 1935 to commemorate its fourth centenary. Following calls for its removal in 2003, it was relocated to a park outside the city, where it reportedly suffered damage due to nearby train traffic. The recent reinstallation ceremony was attended by Lima's mayor, Rafael López Aliaga, and Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, alongside Pizarro’s descendants. In a statement reported by the Spanish daily El Pais, Díaz Ayuso emphasized the importance of remembering the connections formed during this historic encounter.
However, the return of the statue has sparked backlash, with dozens of protesters denouncing it as an affront to Indigenous peoples. Voices from the demonstration highlighted the statue's controversial legacy, underscoring the struggle for historical interpretation in contemporary society.
However, the return of the statue has sparked backlash, with dozens of protesters denouncing it as an affront to Indigenous peoples. Voices from the demonstration highlighted the statue's controversial legacy, underscoring the struggle for historical interpretation in contemporary society.
