Arrival of the Hippopotamus Motif at the Dakar Biennale

Craftspeople are working diligently here in Dakar’s artisan hamlet. Like the majority of African countries, Senegal has limited industrial production capabilities and has historically relied heavily on domestically made commodities. The culture of the nation is firmly anchored in craftsmanship. “Sculpture is significant in Senegalese culture. It’s a form of art. Africa has a vast history of art. We’ve been creating art for hundreds of years. Papis Kante, a 45-year-old sculptor, says, “There are religions where the statues we make are part of the religion, they honor them.”

Every two years, Dakar hosts the month-long Biennale of Contemporary African Arts, which draws hundreds of artists, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the globe. Established by the Senegalese government in 1989, the event has grown over the years to become one of the continent’s most significant exhibitions. Pop-up exhibitions take place in hundreds of locations, ranging from tiny art galleries to upscale five-star hotels.

However, the local artisans at the Soumbedioune artisan hamlet, which is located right outside the Corniche and on the outskirts of Medina’s working-class district, didn’t understand what the Biennale was until this year. Kante and other local craftspeople were approached by two Senegalese curators who proposed a collaborative display that would take place during the Biennale. Kante said the invitation offers him hope for the future and he jumped at the chance to participate.

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