Seydou Keïta and the Forging of West African Identity

The article discusses the work of Seydou Keïta, a Malian photographer who captured the evolving identity of West Africans in the 1950s. Keïta's portraits, currently on display at the Brooklyn Museum, depict the people of Mali as they were navigating the transition from colonial rule to independence. The images showcase a blend of traditional and modern elements, reflecting the complex societal changes of the time. Keïta's subjects are shown breaking free from the constraints of colonial domination, yet they remain firmly rooted in their cultural heritage. The photographs offer a nuanced representation of the West African identity, capturing the personal and collective experiences of the people during this transformative period. The article highlights how Keïta's work provides a window into the forging of a new West African identity, one that balances the past and the present, the traditional and the modern. His portraits offer a compelling visual narrative of a society in flux, where individuals assert their agency and cultural pride while adapting to the evolving realities of the post-colonial era.