This is what a Chadian sculptor denounces with the reproduction in clay of traditional miniature houses, identical to those built in the past, in particular under the great empires of Kanem, Ouaddaï and Baguirmi. His works are exhibited at WenakLabs, an innovation laboratory that welcomes and supports local initiatives.
With our correspondent in Ndjamena, Aurélie Bazzara-Kibangula
Nicolas Gangebakoiré is a sculptor. Sitting on a bench, a bucket of water at his feet and clay in his hands, he shapes to a miniature house : “ It is the roof that I am making, in clay, of the Ngambaye peoples, of the peoples who live towards the south of Chad. There, I make it in a circular way as if it’s a cup, but it’s not a cup. »
Next to you are several reproductions of habitats? : “ This is the royal palace of the Ouaddaï empire. They see their house as a castle. There, here, that’s for Baguirmien; this is the Baguirouins palace ? That’s the massas mobile huts. It has a diamond shape. »
These palaces and traditional houses are reproduced identically thanks to research work. Objective: to document the styles of architecture of the 23 provinces of the country which are disappearing according to the artist: ” This architecture has disappeared. Modern constructions are done a lot in Ndjamena. If these architectures disappear, it is as if Chad had disappeared. Because we recognize Chad through its history. The little houses…the miniatures that I made, it’s just a way of documenting history, it’s a way of raising awareness so that people don’t lose their cultural identity. »
Next step for Nicolas Gangebakoiré: exhibiting his miniature houses abroad to make Chadian architecture known beyond the country’s borders.