The other face
IT
- Location
- IT
- Category
- heritage historic sites
- Coordinates
- 38.4839471, 15.9136178
- Best time
- Morning or early afternoon
- Weather tip
- Check the local forecast before visiting.
Overview
The monument known as 'L’altra faccia' (The Other Face) serves as a somber and significant memorial dedicated to Soumaila Sacko, a Malian farmhand and trade unionist who was tragically killed in 2018. Located in Italy, this site functions as a place of reflection on the struggles of migrant workers and the broader issues of labor exploitation within the agricultural sector. Visitors come to this site to pay their respects to Sacko’s memory and to engage with the ongoing dialogue regarding human rights and social justice in contemporary Italy. The monument is designed to challenge observers to confront the human cost behind the industrial food chain, serving as a permanent record of an event that sparked national debate on racism and labor conditions. When planning your trip ideas for exploring social history in Italy, this monument offers a profound opportunity to understand the complexities of modern labor migration. It is an essential stop for those seeking to learn about the diverse narratives that shape the country beyond its traditional tourist attractions. The site is best visited during the morning or early afternoon when natural light allows for a clear view of the monument’s details. As you plan your itinerary, consider how this site fits into your broader journey of discovery, as it provides a necessary perspective on the lived experiences of marginalized communities within the Italian landscape.
General information
The monument known as 'L’altra faccia' (The Other Face) serves as a somber and significant memorial dedicated to Soumaila Sacko, a Malian farmhand and trade unionist who was tragically killed in 2018. Located in Italy, this site functions as a place of reflection on the struggles of migrant workers and the broader issues of labor exploitation within the agricultural sector. Visitors come to this site to pay their respects to Sacko’s memory and to engage with the ongoing dialogue regarding human rights and social justice in contemporary Italy. The monument is designed to challenge observers to confront the human cost behind the industrial food chain, serving as a permanent record of an event that sparked national debate on racism and labor conditions. When planning your trip ideas for exploring social history in Italy, this monument offers a profound opportunity to understand the complexities of modern labor migration. It is an essential stop for those seeking to learn about the diverse narratives that shape the country beyond its traditional tourist attractions. The site is best visited during the morning or early afternoon when natural light allows for a clear view of the monument’s details. As you plan your itinerary, consider how this site fits into your broader journey of discovery, as it provides a necessary perspective on the lived experiences of marginalized communities within the Italian landscape.
Did you know
- Soumaila Sacko was a member of the USB (Unione Sindacale di Base) trade union.
- The monument was established to commemorate the fight against the 'caporalato' system, an illegal agricultural labor recruitment practice.
- The title 'L’altra faccia' translates to 'The Other Face,' symbolizing the hidden human reality behind agricultural production.
History
Soumaila Sacko, a 29-year-old Malian national, was murdered on June 2, 2018, near San Calogero in the Calabria region. He was shot while scavenging for scrap metal to build a shelter in a nearby informal migrant settlement. His death became a catalyst for widespread protests against the exploitation of migrant workers in the Italian agricultural industry. The monument was subsequently erected as a permanent memorial to his life and the systemic injustices he faced. It serves as a historical marker of the tensions within Italy’s labor market during the early 21st century and the subsequent civil rights movements that emerged in the wake of his death.
Cultural significance
The monument represents a critical intersection of labor rights, human rights, and the legacy of migration in Italy. By memorializing Soumaila Sacko, the site challenges the cultural narrative surrounding the 'invisible' workforce that sustains the Italian agricultural sector. It has become a site of pilgrimage for activists, students, and citizens concerned with social justice. Culturally, it acts as a reminder of the fragility of migrant lives and the persistent struggle for dignity and fair working conditions. It forces a confrontation with the 'other face' of the Italian economy, shifting the focus from purely aesthetic tourism to an engagement with contemporary social realities.
Geography and landscape
The monument is situated within the rural landscape of southern Italy, an area historically characterized by intensive agricultural production and large-scale farming estates. Its location is often tied to the proximity of informal settlements where migrant workers reside, highlighting the physical and social distance between these communities and the broader society. The setting is typically modest and austere, reflecting the humble circumstances of the workers it commemorates. As it is an outdoor site, the surrounding landscape is subject to the seasonal variations of the Italian climate, which can be harsh during the summer months, necessitating careful planning for visitors.
More facts
- Imported from OSM batch