| Accession Number | P05408.243 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Digital file |
| Maker |
Westhead, Greg |
| Place made | Iraq: Baghdad |
| Date made | 8 July 2005 |
| Conflict |
Iraq, 2003-2013 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Commonwealth of Australia copyright |
The viewing platform at the 'Grand Festivities Square' flanked by the 'crossed swords' at the ...
Description
The viewing platform at the 'Grand Festivities Square' flanked by the 'crossed swords' at the colossal Hands of Victory monument at Saddam Hussein's former parade site. The monument was built to celebrate Iraq's victory over Iran and depicts two enormous fists (said to be modelled on those of Saddam Hussein) each holding aloft a giant sword made from the melted down guns of dead Iraqi soldiers. Captured Iranian helmets are held in a net between the sword and 5,000 more helmets taken from the battlefield surround the base of the arms. There is one of these monuments, each standing 140 feet high, at each end of the 'Grand Festivities Square', a large outdoor arena in which Iraqi soldiers would parade in front of Saddam Hussein as he stood on a viewing platform.