The bronze figure stares out at the water, a silent testament to a painful past. This is the Ehra oder Kind mit Ball statue, a poignant memorial to the Sinti and Roma who were persecuted during the Nazi regime. The statue, created by Otto Pankok in 1955, depicts Ehra, a young Sinti girl holding a ball. It stands as a symbol of hope and resilience amidst a dark chapter in German history.
The statue, located in the Old Harbour of Düsseldorf, is a place of remembrance and reflection. The accompanying plaque tells a heartbreaking story: over 100 Sinti from Düsseldorf were deported from the Höherweg camp and murdered. Ehra herself was one of the few survivors.
The statue speaks to the artist’s deep connection with the Sinti community; Pankok had many friends among them. He chose to immortalize Ehra, not just to remember the victims but also to celebrate the strength and spirit of the Sinti people. The statue is a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience can endure. It compels us to remember and to learn from the past to ensure a brighter future for all.