The Truth About the Plane Covered in Arrows That Went Viral

You might have seen this photo of a small airplane covered in arrows inside a hangar circulating on Facebook and Reddit already, with the caption: “The anthropologists decided that this tribe was to remain uncontacted.” But, contrary to what some might believe, this image doesn’t depict a plane attacked by Native Americans. It’s actually a captivating art installation titled “Avião” (Plane) created by the artistic duo Los Carpinteros, as Snopes points out.

This thought-provoking piece was displayed at the Faena Arts Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina back in May 2012. It wasn’t the only one on exhibit – “Avião” shared the Molinos Room with “El Barrio” (The Neighborhood) and a site-specific installation called “Alumbrado Público” (Street Lighting). These works, though created with distinct techniques, all explored the same central question: how far is civilization truly beneficial?

Los Carpinteros’ artistic approach is characterized by resourcefulness and a hint of irony. They utilize readily available industrial objects to challenge our perceptions of what constitutes a “civilized” society. “Avião” exemplifies this perfectly. The imposing Piper Comanche aircraft, pierced by numerous wooden arrows, becomes a powerful symbol. It alludes to humanity’s relentless pursuit of progress and exploration, while simultaneously highlighting the cultural clashes that often accompany technological advancements across different societies.

So, the next time you see this image, remember, it’s not a historical artifact but a powerful commentary on the complexities of progress and civilization.