For the first time, Senegalese artisans from the Soumbedioune crafts market showcased their work at the prestigious Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts, an event that has celebrated African creativity since 1989. Despite their cultural significance, local craftsmen were historically excluded from the Biennale. However, curators Kemi Bassène and Khadim Ndiaye changed that this year, extending invitations to five artisans. The artisans were asked to interpret the theme “hippo” because of the animal’s popularity across the continent. The artisans – a sculptor, a painter, a jeweler, a leatherworker, and an upholsterer – went to work and produced unique creations like a giant wooden sculpture of a sleeping hippo, a hippo-shaped bag, and hippo-shaped jewelry. The exhibition, held in Soumbedioune’s central square, highlighted the artisans’ craftsmanship and gave them well-deserved recognition. Their inclusion reflects a broader shift toward embracing traditional artistry within modern African design.
SOURCE: AP NEWS
