Mamadou Konate, Mali
Fishing in Kangaba

This series is of the traditional fishing ceremony which takes place every year in the Kangaba region, or more specifically, in my village of Kela located 96 km from Bamako in the south of Mali. A true reunion for all those from the Mandé area, it is usually held from May till June, bringing together people from eight riverine areas such as Djolen, Kankan, Nounkoun, Kaleba , Fignèkourou and Kankansora.

Following a precise timetable, the dates of activities are fixed by the village elders in consultation with the riverine people. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays are the days which have been generally favourted since the days of our ancestors. A number of ritual sacrifices are held in the early morning before the fishing begins. The leaders advise the community on precautions to take and the potentital dangers, and then the men, women, young and the old alike devote themselves joyfully to this ancestral practice.

Inspired by the love of my people, and by the proverb “Better to abandon your village than be ignorant of its traditions”, I have worked on this fishing ceremony because it allows me to reconnect with my family, parents and above all, a tradition very dear to me. My photographic approach to this theme revolves around three essential subjects: individuals, tools, and water.