Zaman Allah Mamane Boubacar
Studies in Arts and Cultures Program, Université Abdou Moumouni, Niamey, November 2018
Where are you from?
Arlit / Niger
Describe your object?
It is a small traditional white metal dagger. It has a multicolored pouch with a hook to carry it from your hip. It is small, sharp, slicing and beautiful
Where is your object from?
It comes from Manga (Diffa)
How is your object meaningful to you?
This object is a gift from a friend, it is a cultural dagger that men and women form Manga wear all the time to protect themselves from danger. For me, it holds an important place in a Nigerian man’s life, especially in rural areas, because in my community a man must help anyone in danger, even an animal.
How do you see yourself as an artist in your community?
In Niger, I see myself in a very difficult yet favorable environment to make my art, even if it cannot feed me. Difficult because people look down on artists. In other words, for most Nigerians, being an artist is reserved for the lower class (slaves). Artists are considered delinquents, good-for-nothings, failed scholars, and our political leaders’ agendas rarely contain cultural or artistic aspects.
What is your hope for the future?
Favorable, because it is a challenge to face, and artistic aspects also the realm is almost untouched, this will enable us to push our imaginations creatively. In the world, I see myself as an activist and conscience-raiser about the ills of the international community of my era.
