Bringing Blue to Life
Gambian writer Ya Mallen's short story weaves together the different representations of blue in Gambia
Gambian bride and bridesmaids dressed in traditional Wolof attire (2020) by Ya Mallen Jagne Photo credit: Mamo Kora – Mamos PhotographyDesign Indaba
Gambian writer Ya Mallen's short story , Blue the Bluest of Skies, is narrative exploration into the persistence of blue within Gambian culture. This shade is present in the traditional clothing of almost all the Gambian ethnicities, especially in women’s clothing.
A casual, often worn, version of the Wolof traditional attire. Photographed in the streets of Banjul by Muhammed Bittaye (2021) by Story:Ya Mallen Jagne Photographed by Muhammed BittayeDesign Indaba
The Mandika have fabrics of varying colour, intended for varying occasions, but the Mandinka bride is known for her sky-blue and indigo traditional attire – typically more checkered than striped, the indigo colour almost smothering the sky-blue.
Model dressed as a Mandinka Bride in chequered traditional fabric. by Story: Ya Mallen Jagne Photo credit: Biddy’s PromotionDesign Indaba
The Wolof are known for their sky-blue grand mbubu gowns, tied at the waist to keep the material from trailing and to reveal the many layers of fabric.
Fishing canoes on the beach in Bakau (2020) by Ya Mallen Jagne Photographed by Mohammed DibbaseyDesign Indaba
In addition to these traditional clothes, Gambia is a coastal country and fishing is an integral aspect of its culture. Several fishing ports speckle its beaches, which are perforated with the presence of fishing canoes, which are mostly painted sky-blue.
Fishing canoes on the beach in Bakau. (2021) by Story: Ya Mallen Jagne Photograpy: Mohammed Dibbasey.Design Indaba
Blue, the Blueist of Skies
Ya Mallen reads an excerpt from her short story, Blue the Bluest of Skies
Fishing boats in Tanje Fish Landing Site. (2021) by Story: Ya Mallen Jagne Photograpy: Mohammed Dibbasey.Design Indaba
The musicians sat on rafia mats....
“Saye bi taka nenyu kor, gorr yi aski nenj!” “The marriage has been tied, the men have returned”...
And so the men sat in their hats and shawls...
A Gambian bride dressed in striped Fula traditional fabric. Photographed by Muhammed BittayeDesign Indaba
She stepped out into the light...
Fishing canoes on the beach in Bakau (2020) by Ya Mallen Jagne Photographed by Mohammed DibbaseyDesign Indaba
Seven days went past...
He walked to the shore where his canoe lay...
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