Three dimensional ceramic panel representing a scene of political satire. Plaque has seventeen colourful figures in total, including a removable figure at top-centre (part b) and two removable flags (parts c-d). The background of the panel is yellow. Inscribed at bottom.

• 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.

• Narrative

  The scene on the plaque shows the following: Zé Povinho (representing the Portuguese people) complains, “I always have to pay for everything on my minimal salary.” As the recession worsens, a businessman exclaims, “The banks are crashing”. A nurse is offered a passport to work overseas and a teacher sits awaiting the results of her evaluation from Education Minister Nuno Crato. Deputy Prime Minister Paulo Portas, who sits playing with one of the submarines he purchased from the German government, is shown being offered a plane from the national airline, TAP, for privatization. The plaque was made by both brothers: Manuel made the figures and Francisco painted it. The phrases on the plaque were written by both.

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• Type of Item plaque
• Culture Portuguese
• Material metal, clay, paint
• Measurements height 60.0 cm, width 32.0 cm, depth 13.0 cm (overall)

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• Creator Manuel Esteves Lima, Francisco Esteves Lima
• Field Collector Anthony A. Shelton
• Previous Owner Anthony A. Shelton
• Received from Anthony A. Shelton, Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget, Museum of Anthropology Director's Budget

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• Made in Barcelos

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• Creation Date during 2015
• Collection Date during 2015
• Ownership Date before April 24, 2015
• Acquisition Date on April 24, 2015

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• Item Classes ceramics
• Condition fair
• Accession Number 3105/0003 a-d