Kolkata’s Damnatio memoriae moment
The removal of a Lionel Messi statue in Kolkata following a change in government highlights the political practice of 'damnatio memoriae'. This act reflects the broader trend of erasing symbols associated with previous regimes.
Why it matters
The destruction of public monuments serves as a powerful indicator of shifting political power and the symbolic nature of urban landscapes.
Almost 2,000 years ago in ancient Rome, after an emperor was removed unceremoniously, busts, statues, and portraits of the ruler were destroyed. Called damnatio memoriae (condemnation of memory), it was the ancient Roman equivalent of cancel culture. The practice of damnatio memoriae was used by the Senate to officially erase a disgraced or deposed emperor from history.
The article provides historical context and reports on local political shifts without taking a partisan stance.
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