Portraits of former presidents and famous indigenous leaders on presidential palace for Independence Day, Plaza Murillo, La Paz, Bolivia
Simón Bolívar and Antonio José de Sucre are on the central painting; they were key figures in the Wars of Independence and the founding of the Republic of Bolivia as well as being the country's first presidents. On the left hand painting are Tupac Katari and Bartolina Sisa, Aymara leaders who led uprisings against the Spanish and a 6 month siege of La Paz in 1781. In recent years under the presidency of Evo Morales indigenous heroes and rebels have been increasingly honoured, with less emphasis on Republican and Independence War leaders of European descent. Compare these images taken in 2011 with others below in the gallery taken in 2009 which show only portraits of Bolivia's early presidents on the presidential palace. Also note the presence of the checked flag or wiphala which is absent in older photos. It has long been used to represent the indigenous people of the Andes, and was recognised as Bolivia's second national flag in the new constitution in February 2009, which caused some controversy especially in lowland regions.