De Sjouwer, Concrete sculpture in Aalbeke, Belgium.
De Sjouwer is a concrete sculpture standing 35 meters tall in Aalbeke, positioned on a hill that formed during motorway construction. The work features a weather vane at its peak and sits near the E17 expressway that connects Lille to Ghent.
The monument was created in 1974 by Belgian architect Jacques Moeschal, built on a hill that emerged from the E17 motorway construction running between 1966 and 1977. It stands as a product of both road infrastructure development and a specific period in the region.
The monument honors West Flemish seasonal workers who traveled to the French region of Nord-Pas-de-Calais for agricultural work between 1930 and 1960. Visitors can see in this sculpture a trace of the migration patterns that shaped the economic ties between Belgium and France.
The monument is easily visible from the E17 motorway and provides wheelchair access for visitors. The site can be reached during daylight hours, though its proximity to the busy expressway should be considered when planning a visit.
The sculpture's uppermost point deliberately angles toward France, symbolizing the historical migration route of Belgian workers across the border. This directional detail often surprises visitors and reinforces the personal connection behind the monument.
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