Area C
Connectedness
C1
MOTHERLY LOVE
Sculpture by Tracy Chatsama, Chitungwiza Arts Centre, Zimbabwe
One of the of the characteristic attributes of mammals is the emergence of parental, and especially motherly love, which reaches its apogee in human beings who must care for their extraordinarily vulnerable human child. It is interesting to note that shorter the lifespan of a species the greater the progenies they produce, and motherly love is less important or redundant. Also, as a rule, species that are lower in the food chain pro-duce more progenies. It is interesting to note as the lifespan of human beings has increased the average number of children in a family has decreased significantly.
Is there a link between the number of offspring a species produces and environmental sustainability?
C2
INTERDEPENDENCE
A sculpture by Wonder Welders, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
This sculpture of a horse underlines the contribution of animals to the ascent of human beings to the top of the food chain. Animals have been used to plough crops, transport goods, produce food, for travel and protection, war and companionship.
What rights do animals have, and how should they be treated by humans?
C3
EVOLUTION AND THE GIRAFFE’S NECK
A sculpture by Wonder Welders, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
According to Darwin’s theory of evolution, giraffes have long necks to enable them to reach for food on trees beyond the reach of other animals. But, according to a new theory, there is another possibility: their prodigious necks may have everything to do with sex. There are many subjects, for example, this aspect of physical evolution, which remain unclear. Both science and religion, through different means, aim to gradually uncover reality. Over time, theories and theologies may be supplanted, based on new insights.
Why do you think giraffes have long necks: to reach nutritious leaves, look out for predators or to fight for mates?
C4
WILD BOAR
Sculpture by Thomas Makore Tengenenge Art Community, Zimbabwe.
Some of the major religions in the world proscribe eating the flesh of pigs, of which this sculpture of a wild boar is one type. The reason may be practical or symbolic. For example, Hindus may not eat beef because cattle are a symbol of motherly kindness, patience, service and peacefulness while others don’t because the animal provides milk and ploughing. Not only religion, but art and reason also may lead people to dis-avow certain patterns and practices which are deemed repugnant, unhealthy or unhelpful to society.
What kind of behavior is considered unacceptable in a society, and why?
C5
LAW OF THE JUNGLE
Sculpture by Tutani Mugabazi, Mvurwi Arts Centre, Zimbabwe
These sculptures of a gazelle and a lion, suggest to us the operation of the law of the jungle, “eat or be eaten”. While this competitive mentality may be still prevalent within some institutional environments it reminds us at the same time that human being are capable of reaching a better outcome through cooperation, fairness, justice and mercy.
Can humanity develop laws and systems of cooperation which eliminate violence and exploitation?
