Klenkes (statue), Aachen

The Klenkes is a small bronze monument linked to needle production. The raised little finger comes from factory work, where workers used their pinky to sort defective needles in a motion called ausklinken. Over time, this habit became a sign of the trade, and the name “Klenkes” refers to this local term.

Over time, the raised pinky became a quiet way for people from the region to recognize each other, even far from home. Lifting the finger was enough to signal a shared background connected to needle making, which once played a central role in the local economy. This gesture combined work, identity, and everyday communication, without needing explanation. Even after industrial production declined, the sign remained part of local culture and humor.

The bronze sculpture was created by Hubert Löneke and erected in 1970. It shows three hands with raised little fingers reaching toward each other, emphasizing shared identity rather than individuals. Small and placed at eye level, it is often touched by passersby, reflecting its role as a simple gesture shaped by work and memory.