Die Giraffe
The giraffe is the epitome of grace. Sublime, it already spies friend or foe from afar. Even in ancient Egypt, giraffes were believed to be oracular beings with shamanic abilities. And truly, their size of up to six meters and their sharp eyes alone make them the epitome of looking into the distance. Ser(u), the Egyptian word for giraffe depictions, still means "to spy" or "to look into the distance", but also in a symbolic sense "to foretell".
The sculpture by Daniel Bucur is carved from yellowish wood, polished and covered with shellac. The way the giraffe's fur is rendered is also remarkable. Although the spots are missing, in shape and form the human mind immediately recognizes a giraffe. A certain dejection can be seen in the figure. A visible sign of vulnerability. For although giraffes are the largest land-dwelling mammals and they possess the vision of distance, they are very delicate creatures. Loved and hunted. In the past, the long sinews were used to make musical instruments and bows, and the fur was a status symbol. Nowadays, giraffe hunting is purely for the pleasure of big game hunters. The World Conservation Union IUCN has therefore placed the giraffe on the red list of endangered animals. This sculpture is intended to draw attention to the protection of these graceful creatures.
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