3-043-876 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The National Memorial to the Prince Consort: "Africa", by William Theed,1872. 'This group is placed on the north-east angle pedestal. The principle of its design is an embodiment of those characteristics of race which are peculiar to the past and present history of Africa. An Egyptian Princess seated on a camel is the principal figure - Egypt having been the great early African Power and the precursor of civilisation. On her right stands a Nubian, or inhabitant of the eastern limits of this continent, his hand resting on a half-buried statue, in allusion to the monumental glories of the past. On her left is seated a figure representing the merchant of the northern States of Africa, native productions and objects of commerce being placed near him. The n**** leaning on his bow is the representative of the uncivilised races of this continent; he is listening to teachings of a female figure typifying European civilisation, in allusion to the efforts made by Europe to improve the condition of these races; the broken chains at his feet refer to the part taken by Great Britain in the emancipation of the slaves. The camel...is indispensable in the African deserts; [it] is used universally as a means of communication by traders'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.