One million fake bones stretched along a white path in the US capital city Washington last weekend as part of an art project to raise awareness of ongoing genocides.

It took three years to collect the paper and plaster creations ahead of the One Million Bones installation, which was led by artist Naomi Natale and closed yesterday.

Organisers said artists and students from around the world were mobilised to take part in the project and bring attention to mass atrocities in places like Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and Burma.

Hundreds of volunteers placed each bone at the installation site near the National Mall in Washington.

The event, which began on Saturday, featured international speakers and performers, educational workshops, a candlelight vigil and an advocacy day.

Supporters had also donated $5 (€3.80) to have biodegradable bones made in their name.

One Million Bones was organised by The Art Of Revolution, which said on its website: “We never cease to be amazed at how many people have only a vague notion of what genocide is, and how many more have no idea that it’s happening today.

“While we must remember genocides throughout history and honour those lost to unimaginable horrors, the current crimes against humanity we focus on require immediate attention and action.”