Location: The United Nations’ Headquarters Building
"(It) outlines the greatest prayer of mankind in just a few strokes: that is not to war, but to seek peace" as said by Kofi Atta Annan, the former secretary-general of the United Nations.
Speaking of guns, most of you may think about arms or the tragic situation of citizens suffering from the military. However, the United Nations has a “knotted gun“ for seeking peace. What is this all about?
"The Knotted Gun', also known as 'Non-Violence', is a bronze sculpture by Swedish artist Karl Fredrik Reitersvold. It consists of an oversized Colt .357 Magnum revolver with a knotted barrel, with the muzzle pointing upwards.
This piece is a symbol of the need to cease fire and end war. The knot of the gun barrel also shows the desire for a peaceful life.
The sculpture was created by Reuters after the murder of peace activist John Lennon. It was originally inaugurated in Malmö, Sweden in 1985 and was purchased by the Luxembourg Government for the United Nations in 1988. Since 1993, the sculpture has been a symbol of non-violent projects.