c.1960s Mozambican War of Independence Mozambique Pro-FRELIMO

Date: c.1960s
Artist: Unknown
Size (in): 20.25” x 15.125”
Size (cm): 51.4 x 38.4
Condition: C
Linen backed: No

This vintage original poster features a gruesome image from the Mozambican War of Independence showing a group of Portuguese military personnel proudly displaying the head of a man on a large wooden stake under the block capital title MOZAMBIQUE. The Mozambican War of Independence pitted the Mozambique Liberation Front or FRELIMO (Frente de Libertação de Moçambique) against military forces of Portugal that sought to protect economic interests and maintain Mozambique as a colony under white minority Portuguese rule.

The Soviet Union, Cuba and other allied nations supported FRELIMO and Mozambique independence became a cause celebre among the political left in Europe and the United States which probably explains the origins of this poster. The Mozambican War of Independence lasted almost 10 years ending with a ceasefire in September 1974 and a negotiated independence for Mozambique the following year. Sadly for Mozambicans, independence from Portuguese white minority rule would not bring peace as the country descended into a protracted and bloody civil war that raged from 1977 to 1992 as Cold War powers supported the opposing forces until the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of Apartheid rule in South Africa. There is no indication of the organization issuing the poster.

This vintage original poster has small areas of paper loss on the tips of both upper and lower corners on the left side. Additionally, the poster has pinholes near the top corners, slight creasing, bumped edges, some toning from and moderate handling wear. Overall condition is good.