The Soul Devourers of the Mossi Plateau: A Photographic Exploration of Marginalized Women
In the heart of Burkina Faso, on the Mossi plateau, reside a marginalized group known as the "soul devourers." These women, accused of practicing witchcraft, endure a life of isolation and rejection. Deemed dangerous, they rely on the compassion of Catholic sisters who provide them with sustenance and shelter.
Nyaba Léon Ouédraogo, a renowned Burkinabé artist and photographer, delves into the lives of these women in his groundbreaking photographic series, "The Soul Devourers." Initiated through a residency at the Musée du quai Branly Jacques-Chirac in Paris, the exhibition showcases Ouédraogo’s artistic vision and sheds light on this poignant societal issue.
Unveiling the Hidden Truths
Growing up in a Mossi community, Ouédraogo first learned of the existence of these women through his mother. As a child, he witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of these accusations, including the death of a close friend. He recognized the deep-seated beliefs and social abandonment these women faced.
Driven by a desire to restore dignity to these marginalized individuals, Ouédraogo embarked on a three-month negotiation process, followed by a year of collaboration, to bring this project to life. The resulting series of diptychs presents each woman in two distinct yet connected portraits: one raw and natural, the other idealized.
The Dualities of the Soul Devourers
Ouédraogo’s approach captures the duality inherent in the lives of these women. The natural portraits convey their vulnerability and societal exclusion, while the idealized portraits offer a glimpse of their potential and resilience. Through this juxtaposition, the artist invites viewers to question the complexities of identity and the power of societal perceptions.
Anthropologist Julien Bondaz explains the cultural context surrounding the accusations of witchcraft, known as "anthropophagy." These women are believed to possess the ability to devour the vital energy of others, known as "siiga" in the Mossi language. Accusations often arise in cases of suspicious deaths, particularly among young people or children.
The Role of Reproduction and Social Norms
Bondaz highlights the gendered nature of these accusations, which often target women who have lost young children themselves. He argues that they reflect underlying social norms and moral judgments surrounding the reproductive role of women in Mossi society.
Photography as a Tool for Dialogue and Transformation
Photography, with its ability to capture the visible while evoking the intangible, serves as a powerful medium for exploring these complex issues. Christine Barthe, curator of photography at the Musée du quai Branly, notes that Ouédraogo’s work provokes discussion while resisting simplistic binary interpretations.
The idealized portraits represent a fleeting moment of transformation, offering a glimmer of hope and possibility amidst the harsh realities these women face. The process of transformation itself became a dialogue between Ouédraogo and his subjects, allowing them to temporarily shed their societal labels and envision new possibilities.
Breaking Boundaries and Transforming Narratives
Ouédraogo emphasizes that his intention was not to seek answers to ancient beliefs but to raise questions and spark dialogue. Through his art, he hopes to challenge societal norms, particularly concerning women’s status in his community.
Today, some of the women featured in Ouédraogo’s series reside at the Delwende Center in Ouagadougou, a sanctuary for marginalized individuals established in 1966. Run by the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, the center provides shelter, dignity, and support to these women, many of whom have lost contact with their families.
Exhibition Details
Nyaba Léon Ouédraogo’s "The Soul Devourers" series is on display at the Galerie Christophe Person in Paris until March 15, 2023. The exhibition offers a compelling insight into the lives of these marginalized women, challenging societal perceptions and opening up pathways for dialogue and social change.
