Three dimensional ceramic plaque, or panel, representing a scene of political satire. Plaque has eighteen figures, including one standing on top (part b) holding the Portuguese flag (part c). There are three figures in the centre of the panel with a black cross, and seven figures seated around the white, raised outer edge. Seven more figures, including a devil, are arranged on red and yellow flames in the lower section. The central background of the panel is light blue.

• Narrative

  The president of Portugal, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, stands holding the country’s flag. Below him, in the upper half of the plaque Zé Povinho, a caricature of the long suffering Portuguese people, is shown being pulled in opposing directions by representatives of the leftist political parties. Underneath him, then Prime Minister José Socrates and his ministers are shown burning in hell.

• Iconographic Meaning

  One of three plaques (2956/95-96; 3105/3) made by Francisco and Manuel Esteves Lima (the Mistério brothers), that documents the growing economic and social crisis that has afflicted Portugal since 2008.

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• Type of Item plaque
• Culture Portuguese
• Material clay, paint, metal
• Measurements height 62.5 cm, width 31.0 cm, depth 15.0 cm (overall)

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• Creator Manuel Esteves Lima
• Field Collector Anthony A. Shelton
• Previous Owner Anthony A. Shelton
• Received from Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget, Anthony A. Shelton

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• Made in Barcelos
• Collected in Portugal

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• Creation Date during 2009
• Collection Date between 2011 and 2012
• Ownership Date before September 17, 2012
• Acquisition Date on September 17, 2012

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• Item Classes ceramics
• Condition good
• Accession Number 2956/0096 a-c