Bratislava- Trip Hazard

His name is Čumil, the Slovak word actually means “watcher”. It is one of recent series of statues in the Old Town of Bratislava. These statues include Paparazzi, Schöner Náci, and Napoleon’s Soldier appeared in 1997, a couple of years after Slovak independence. This was at a time when the city was polishing its image after its Communist past. Čumil is the work of Slovak sculptor Viktor Hulík. The artist was born in 1947 in Bratislava.

As for Čumil, there are a couple of theories about his name. Maybe he’s trying to get a look under the ladies’ skirts or perhaps he’s a typical communist-era worker who works little and watches a lot? Or maybe he’s resting after a hard day’s work cleaning the sewer. Either way, this sympathetic man seems to enjoy his surroundings. Legend has it that those who touch the head of the man will get a wish come true – if they manage to keep it a secret forever.