Heritage association wants controversial statue of Monsieur Cannibale in Rijksmuseum | Inland

In recent years, there has been criticism on social media, among others, of the alleged racist character of Monsieur Cannibale. That attraction consists of a large number of cooking pots in which people circle around a large, fat, almost naked, colored man with a ladle through his nose. Last Sunday visitors could take a seat in Monsieur Cannibale for the last time. In June this year, Efteling had already announced that the attraction would be adapted. The cooking pots of the Monsieur Cannibale are converted into trading boats.

Director Karel Loeff of the Bond Heemschut points out the attention that the Rijksmuseum gives to the slavery past and that, in view of the discussion about the statue, Monsieur Cannibale would therefore fit in well with the museum. “It would be strange if this statue in the Efteling depot were to disappear or be destroyed,” says Loef.

The Bond Heemschut has asked Efteling in writing to make the statue available to the Rijksmuseum. Efteling was unable to comment on the proposal on Tuesday evening.

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