A statue of an African-American boy, known locally as Jocko, that has stood on Maitland's High Street for 150 years has become the focal point of a heated controversy following an art exhibition that labeled the monument as racist.
The cast iron statue, standing 84cm tall, has been a fixture in the New South Wales town since the 1870s. Its origins are believed to be tied to a marketing gimmick for a 19th-century tobacconist's shop and a horse hitching post. Over time, it became a symbol of Maitland, even appearing on the cover of a local phone book and embraced by children and families.
The debate intensified when the Maitland Regional Art Gallery opened a four-month exhibition on July 11. The display, by Puerto Rican-born artist Osvaldo Budet, used items like tea towels, spoons, and images of the statue to explore what he described as the "racist history of the hitching post statue." Budet stated his work was "informed by (Budet's) experience growing up in Borikén... fighting colonialism, racism, patriarchy and imperialism through my art."
Budet, an Australian citizen who lived in Maitland for five years, clarified that he did not call for the statue's removal. "Rather it seeks to reveal its true history and open up a conversation about racism, public memory, censorship, and artistic freedom," he said.
The exhibition triggered a strong reaction on social media, with some residents expressing support for the statue, using phrases like "Keep your hands off our boy" and "We love him." In response to the firestorm, the Maitland Council erected a sign next to the display acknowledging that it might cause offense to those who value the statue.
Council Vote and Community Sentiment
The issue was brought to a local council vote, where councilors decided 9-4 to keep the statue. Mayor Philip Penfold emphasized the statue's long-standing presence in the town's history, predating Australia's Federation and witnessing significant historical events.
"The 'Little Black Boy' has been part of our city’s story... during Queen Victoria’s reign, before Federation, through both World Wars and throughout the terms of every one of Australia’s 31 Prime Ministers," Penfold stated. "He has appeared on badges, teaspoons, postcards, phone books and Maitland Mutual money boxes, with a replica still proudly displayed at their Maitland branch today.
"For generations, he has been embraced by children, dressed in sporting colours, photographed by families, as a beloved part of Maitland’s identity."
The council motion expressed "high level of disapproval to exhibit a display disparaging the Jocko Graves hitching post." The accompanying sign stated that while the council respects freedom of expression, it also recognizes the sentiments of community members who admire the statue.
Budet reiterated that his intention was not to have the statue removed but to prompt discussion on its history and societal impact. He argued that the statue "depicts a black child fixed in a posture of service" and questioned "why a racist public object has been protected through nostalgia, myth and service."
He also criticized the council's sign, suggesting that freedom of expression should not be conditional. "Freedom of expression is not a favour granted by council," Budet added.
Historical Context and Origins
The Maitland and District Historical Society offers a purported origin story for the statue, linking it to George Washington. According to their website, Washington was inspired by a young boy named Jocko Graves, the son of a free African-American soldier, during the American War of Independence. The story suggests that Washington ordered a sculpture of the boy to be erected at his estate, with similar statues placed across the United States, some allegedly indicating safe houses for slaves.
However, debate exists regarding this origin story, with some suggesting the Maitland statue was originally a sales gimmick for a tobacconist shop. A local councilor noted that while the Washington story has provenance, the statue was initially used as a promotion outside the former Maitland Tobacco shop, A.D. McDonald.
In March, the statue was added to the city's heritage list. Mayor Penfold stated that he had avoided public comment to limit division but felt it important to clarify that the exhibition's views did not represent the community's sentiment. He expressed surprise at an artist advocating for the removal of public artwork and defended the community's desire to retain the statue, which has been a part of Maitland's identity through various historical periods and challenges.
One councillor, Bill Hackney, humorously dismissed a suggestion to throw the statue into the Hunter River by comparing it to discarding Tamworth's Golden Guitar statue.