Man Carrying a Rifle c. 20th century

This wooden sculpture, "Man Carrying a Rifle," was created by Kwaku Benpoh. The figure presents a striking image: a man balancing a rifle on his shoulder, while atop his head sits what appears to be a telescope or binoculars. Consider the loaded symbolism here. The rifle, a modern tool of power and control, juxtaposes with the figure's open palm which is gesturing outwards as if offering or presenting something. The upward pointing of the hand has appeared in art for centuries; recall the raised hand of John the Baptist, beckoning towards repentance, or a leader inspiring action. Here, however, this gesture is complicated, made ambiguous by the presence of the rifle. Is it a call to arms? Is it an expression of defence? This echoes ancestral memory, tapping into our primal fears and our need for security. The sculpture leaves us with a haunting question about progress and power. The viewer is thus left to grapple with the emotional weight carried by symbols in a world of shifting meaning.