Keywords
Mask cerimony [masquerade]
Secret
Commercialisation
Senegal
How to Cite
Abstract
In 2005, the kankurang ceremony and the mandinga initiation rites were proclaimed Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage by Unesco. The aim here is to analyse how the patrimonialisation of the ceremony has progressively led to its commodification. This article, which rejects the idea of an "original" culture, is part of current reflections on the commodification of heritage, according to which culture and merchandise are not opposed, but are, on the contrary, mutually constitutive. From this point of view, it is considered that the objectification of heritage, far from hindering cultural change, fully participates in it. Focusing on how the ceremony is objectified from the spectators' perspective, the article shows that the participants in the ceremony have adopted another visual regime in order to get their art recognised. This case study aims to challenge overly pessimistic readings of commodification, which assume that any cultural transformation can only lead to loss.
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