Abstract

The Judensau or, literally, «the sow of the Jews» is a denigrating antisemitic tópos. In Germany and elsewhere, several ancient statues and sculptures represent some Jews in obscene contact with a female pig. They are carved out into the walls and facades of churches and cathedrals. On the one hand, cultural heritage law protects them. On the other hand, many believe that they should be removed because of their antisemitism and to prevent the reiteration of humiliating representations. This essay illustrates the origins and the meanings of the Judensau; it situates the debate on the removal and preservation of antisemitic artefacts within the legal studies on cultural heritage; finally, it explores the «retain-and-explain» model, aimed at strengthening democracy and inclusion through the management of the dissonant cultural heritage