The long awaited “Museum of Black Civilizations” has been opened by the Senegalese President, Macky Sall in Dakar in the presence of several dignitaries from within and beyond the continent. For over 50 years the museum has been in the pipeline with the aim of making Senegal the capital of Black artistry on the continent.
You will recall that recently reports told us that requests have been ignited by several African countries to retrieve artworks taken away by colonialists during the colonial era. France is one country having a large proportion of artworks from Africa and the French President had recently pledged to return most of them after receiving a report on the issue.
The construction of the Senegalese museum which had been in hibernation for several years was completed with a Chinese investment of approximately $34 million. The museum is expected to showcase, though temporarily, the works of Malian and Burkinabe artists, as well as artworks from Haiti and Cuba.
The idea of establishing the museum was birthed by former Senegalese President, the Late Léopold Sédar Senghor, about 50 years ago. He was a major force that fought against France imposing her culture on African and Caribbean colonies. Rather than being a monumental edifice, the museum is expected to be a creative laboratory helping to shape Africa’s identity.
The architecture of the museum was inspired by traditional Southern Senegalese homes. The building has indeed changed the face of Dakar, the Senegalese capital. The Museum of Black Civilizations is expected to be open to the public in a few weeks. Check out other pictures below:
