Mama Famata: Canoe to Canvas
Malian artist Mama Fatama pays homage to the Bozo people, known as masters of the river
Water and Sand (2019) by Salif Romano NiangTimbuktu Renaissance
Mama Famata belongs to the Bozo people, an ethnic minority, that founded the cities of Djenné and Mopti and became known as the “masters of the river” by settling the banks of the Niger River in the 10th century.
A man of few words, Mama’s passion for painting was instilled during childhood. Before each fishing season, new boats are built, old boats are repaired, and virtually all boats are vibrantly painted with designs, symbols, and messages of their captains. Over time, Mama gained popularity as a boat painter. But it wasn’t until the early 2000’s that he learned how to mix colors and paint on canvas during a residency for aspiring artists at a cultural center in Ségou.
Pinassikin (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance
The big canoe.
Baki (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance
The barge.
Papoulo (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance
The fish trap.
Chenchen Mobili (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance
The sand truck.
Koronaka (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance
The fish with make up.
Djomeriyatega (2018) by Mama FamataTimbuktu Renaissance
The lady who teaches her peers how to preserve fish.
Anicét Kibarou Déna
Mama Famata
Nicolas Réméné
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