Handala

Handala, also known as Handhala (Arabic: حنظلة‎), is the most famous of Naji al-Ali's characters. He is depicted as a ten-year old boy, and... more

by Munir Alawi

Title

Handala

Artist

Munir Alawi

Medium

Painting - Photography

Description

Handala, also known as Handhala (Arabic: حنظلة‎), is the most famous of Naji al-Ali's characters. He is depicted as a ten-year old boy, and appeared for the first time in Al-Siyasa in Kuwait in 1969. The figure turned his back to the viewer from the year 1973, and clasped his hands behind his back. The artist explained that the ten-year old represented his age when forced to leave Palestine and would not grow up until he could return to his homeland; his turned back and clasped hands symbolised the character's rejection of "outside solutions". Handala wears ragged clothes and is barefoot, symbolising his allegiance to the poor. In later cartoons, he is actively participating in the action depicted not merely observing it.

Handala became the signature of Naji al-Ali's cartoons and remains an iconic symbol of Palestinian identity and defiance. Handala has also been used as the web mascot of the Iranian green movement.[7] The artist remarked that "this being that I have invented will certainly not cease to exist after me, and perhaps it is no exaggeration to say that I will live on with him after my death".

Source: en.wikipedia.org

Uploaded

November 8th, 2013