Since 2006, Dany Leriche et Jean Michel Fickinger are increasing the number of trips to Mali to meet the leaders of the different brotherhoods of hunter-donso. Guardians of a so-called “animist” thought and rites, a representation of the original world that the wear and tear of time has spared, these “hunters of the invisible” hold the magic, perpetuate the past and knowledge. They are both healers and diviners. Long protected from outside eyes, they agreed to pose in soothsayer outfits in front of Jean-Michel Fickinger’s lens. The staging, the figures that stand out against a white background, the elegance of the postures, the faces with expressive looks, help to capture the soul of these initiates while avoiding the pitfall of the picturesque and the exotic.
“A relationship of sharing” is established between the photographer and his model, allowing through the transcription of “these faces overflowing with gravity and dignity” to go well beyond a simple ethnographic inventory.
Over time, links were forged, this relationship of trust allowed them to meet all the chefs and their musicians including Yoro Sidibé, Sibiri Samaké and the very famous Balla Guimba.
These unpublished portraits of Donso initiates, powerful characters “who walk on time” bear witness to an ancient cultural memory, which is today weakened by a reflex reference to the Western “model”, but also surrounded by a revival of interest, especially among young people. This work hopes to contribute to this.
After KORÈDUGAW, the last jesters of Mali and SOGOBÒ, the people of puppets, DONSO, the hunters of the invisible is the third work devoted to initiate societies in Mali by Dany Leriche and Jean-Michel Fickinger.
Dany Leriche and Jean Michel Fickinger: DONSO, the hunters of the invisible
editions Trans Photographic Press
Preface by Jean-Louis-Sagot-Duvauroux
Hardcover book
format 20 x 30 cm
182 pages, 120 photographs
48 pages of text
https://www.transphotographic.com/
Art
France
