By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
Sierra Leone’s talented Sculptor, the late Samuel Samei Marco who died years ago has been remembered by having his works displayed at the Sierra Leone National Museum.
Sculptures that include late President Siaka Probyn Stevens, his Father and others were on the 23rd November, 2022 unveiled at the historic building that houses some of the country’s most treasured artifacts.
According to the acting Curator at the Museum, Josephine Kargbo, Marco was one of the very best sculptors in Sierra Leone. She pointed out that he was exceptionally mnjgifted in wood carving and had institutions and students he taught how to carve.
“Marco built institutions in Makeni, Freetown, Moyamba and Lungi. Because of his talent and knowledge, he passed all that to students who can now boast of wood carving,” she said.
She said that, Marco was a loving person whose objects are easily recognized in the country. She added that, it is really nice that his works are now placed in the museum to remember and celebrate him.
The younger brother of the late Marco, Andrew Marco noted that the pieces unveiled at the Museum were made by Marco the legend long years ago in the early 80s. He said, the pieces were gifts the late man presented to the then President Stevens.
He noted that one of the art pieces designed by Marco depicts then Sierra Leone President Siaka Stevens holding the map of the country as an angel descended on him predicting he would become the leader of this country.
“The map was a symbol to bring every Sierra Leonean together to eradicate tribalism,” he said.
Andrew reiterated that, he only recently saw the carved sculptures, noting that they were with the Stevens Family but were later sold to the Managing Director of Family Kingdom Resort, Alhaji Hussein Alie Jaward . He expressed joy that the sculptures were being donated to the Museum.
Alie Jaward in presenting the art pieces, recalled how the famous Sierra Leonean artist died not having benefited from his talent. He said the good thing was that Marco left behind many remarkable works that will continue to delight and give joy to everyone, for generations to come.
He considered Marco’s sculptures to be extremely valuable and will become more cherished and prized as time passes.
Jaward disclosed that he was born at Yonibana and has lived and worked in the country throughout his life and therefore decided to donate the carvings as a token of his appreciation for the country’s generosity to him. He said the donation was also meant to let the esteem people of Sierra Leone reflect on the country’s rich history and culture.
He hoped that many people will get the opportunity to see, appreciate and enjoy the splendid works of Marco.
Former British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Chief Komrabai Peter Penfold, noted that, he had been supporting the museum way back when he was the Freetown mission. He said, those days were difficult times during which rebels did a lot of harm to artifacts.
He stated that, it is important to maintain the tradition, culture and history of the country and to also fully support those artists that take on the responsibility to preserve the culture, history and tradition of the country. He said the late Marco is better known outside of Sierra Leone than within, noting that the British always remember him for carving the sculpture of a slave that is now in permanent display in the Museum in England.
“So people in Britain know about Marco when they go to the museum. When Prince Charles, now King came, Marco presented him with one of his sculptures of his emblem of King Charles. Andrew was reminding me he was there at the Golf club when Marco presented the sculpture,” he said.
Chief Penfold stated that people should begin to honour the memory and legacy of Marco, so that he will inspire others with the genius gift he had. He encouraged everybody to go to the museum and support it as he said it is doing a very important part in maintaining the history, culture and tradition that direct people to their heritage.
It is worth mentioning that In 1993, sculptor Marco visiting England, carved a splendid statue from English oak in Hull that depicts an emancipated African slave making a pilgrimage to visit to abolitionist William Wilberforce. The wood carving was given to Wilberforce House as a gift from Marco and remains on display to this day.
Late Marco was in 2011 among people honoured by former President Ernest Bai Koroma during the country’s 50th independence anniversary.
Marco was born in Moyamba District in the South of Sierra Leone.
Copyright © 2022 Politico Online (25/11/22)
