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Dome: Terracotta dolls
February 2024
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Maïmouna s'emparait de Nabou et l'asseyait dignement
au milieu du coussin. Elle se recueillait ensuite et faisait la voix de celle qui entend frapper à la porte.
- Entrez. disait-elle, et, à mi-voix, sermonnait la "dome".
- Tiens-toi donc comme il faut; vois, les hôtes de marque arrivent.
Maïmouna, Abdoulaye Sadji, 1952
This collection of six dolls was crafted during a residency at SuperOtium in Naples, Italy, drawing inspiration from the narrative of Maïmouna, the protagonist of Senegalese author Abdoulaye Sadji's (1910-1961) works. Maïmouna traverses her social ascent to Dakar accompanied by her doll Nabou. Crafted with Naples-based Senegalese tailor Haruna, these archives evoke the collective memory of Maïmouna's dolls.
Known as "dome" in Wolof, the dolls refer both as a plaything for children and a symbolic representation deeply rooted in the Neapolitan Presepe tradition utilizing terracotta to craft miniatures. These dolls prompt reflection on how Western cultures have gradually disconnected from indigenous clothes, a connection still upheld in diasporic traditions, offering valuable lessons for all.
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These photographs were taken during the SuperOtium residency restitution exhibition in Naples. This residency received support from the Goethe Institute, the European Union, Pierre Preira and Circolo Scandinavo.
Photography: Amadeo Benestante
