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steve2470

(37,457 posts)
Wed Jul 14, 2021, 10:33 PM Jul 2021

Iceland has a monument to " The Unknown Bureaucrat " in Reykjavik

https://goo.gl/maps/tNZxu8m2VnGGtf6b9

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/monument-to-the-unknown-bureaucrat

THE PHRASE “FACELESS BUREAUCRAT” IS generally not meant as a compliment. But in Reykjavik, these seemingly anonymous workers are immortalized in art.

There, next to a duck pond, stands a statue of a man wielding a briefcase, walking toward city hall. It’s a common everyday sight; a depiction of the everyday “faceless” city officials on their way to work. However, this official is a bit different from its living inspirations, as it is literally faceless.

A large slab of Icelandic volcanic basalt sits where you would expect to see a torso and head. The unique statue was sculpted by Magnús Tómasson in 1994, and you’ll have to decide for yourself whether it was meant as a serious tribute, or a humorous, satirical piece.

Monuments to an unknown soldier are common around the globe, but as Iceland has no standing army, perhaps a tribute to the civilians who serve their country is the next best thing.


Talk about a monument perfect to enrage Grover Norquist and libertarians
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Iceland has a monument to " The Unknown Bureaucrat " in Reykjavik (Original Post) steve2470 Jul 2021 OP
I had no idea what that was when I saw it in June while visiting ColinC Jul 2021 #1
I'll Bet Some Unknown Bureaucrat Is Behind This Jim G. Jul 2021 #2
Not very flattering if u ask me, lol. Nt BootinUp Jul 2021 #3
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