Mano del desierto, Chile

One of the most unique sculptures is in the midst of the lifeless landscapes of the Chilean desert of Atakamas. The author of the monument under the name 'Mano del Desierto' (hand of the desert) is the sculptor from Chile Mario Irarrázabal. The unusual monument is impressively large - the height of the hand forms 11 meters. It looks incredibly impressive and evokes the hand of the giant, who is buried in the boundless sands of the desert. The importance of the monument is very symbolic. It should remind people that they still remain powerless before the element and nature.

The location of the monument is equally symbolic. Atakama is one of the hottest deserts in the world for the most difficult research. The sculpture was opened in 1992 with the support of the Fund Corporacion Pro Antofagasta. The monument, made of reinforced concrete, harmonizes with the surrounding deserts. Despite the difficult to reach location, the sculpture is literally visited every day by the numerous tourists.

The nearest settlement, town of Antofagast, is about 75 km from the sculpture. Since the opening, the monument has attracted graffiti painters who strive to decorate it with the drawings and symbolic inscriptions. With respect to the complicated position of the monument, it is no wonder that there is no guard next door. Thanks to the efforts of the local volunteers, the monument is regularly cleaned of the inscriptions and maintained in the authentic form. It must be noted that the unusual monument has a 'twin'. The small copy of the hand is located on the central beach of the town of Punta-del-Este. This sculpture was also designed by Mario Irarrázabal. Next - Headington Shark