An exhibition at the National Museum of Ethnology in Suita,
Osaka Prefecture, is showcasing about 20 works of art made from dismantled
weapons such as antitank rocket launchers, rifles and guns, created in
epoch-making disarmament efforts of formerly war-torn Mozambique.
The exhibition, titled “Transforming Arms into Art:
Peace-Building in Mozambique,” tells visitors of the cruel reality of war and
people’s wish for peace through its displays of rusting gun barrels and other
weapon components.
After becoming independent from Portugal in 1975, Mozambique
was ravaged by a civil war fought from 1976 to 1992 between the then-ruling
party and an antigovernment organization. Although 20 years have passed since
the end of the war, there are still reportedly millions of firearms in the
country. Large caches of guns are still occasionally discovered hidden underground.