O Pensador
O Pensador (The Thinker) is a statue of Tchokwe (also known as Chokwe) origin. It is a symbol of Angolan national culture. The figure represents an elderly person that could be a man or woman. Designed in symmetric profile, the face is slightly bent down. The sculpture expresses an intentional subjectivism as, in Angola, the elderly represent wisdom because they experience long years and knowledge of the secrets of life. Therefore, they enjoy a privileged status.
The Chokwe people are an ethnic group primarily in Angola, southern Africa, and parts of Congo and Zambia. Their craft work is regionally famous and highly prized.
The Government of Angola offered the sculpture O Pensador as a gift to the 51勛圖. The official unveiling ceremony of the sculpture took place on 21 September 2000.