Mon pagne à moi | Soukeyna KANE | TEDxAbidjan

Key Concepts:

• Pagne: Traditional West African cloth, symbolizing cultural identity, heritage, and womanhood.
• Authenticité (Authenticity): Key to unlocking creativity and facing challenges.
• Valeur Refuge (Safe Haven/Investment): The woven pagne as a valuable asset and symbol of security.
• Devoir de Mémoire (Duty of Remembrance): The pagne as a reminder of one's history and roots.
• Sororité (Sisterhood): The pagne as a symbol of solidarity and support among women.
• Écoresponsables (Eco-responsible): Connection to traditional weaving practices and sustainability.

1. Introduction and Personal Connection

The speaker begins by discussing three novels: Le monde s'effondre by Chinua Achebe, Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, and Le pagne noir by Bernard Dadié. She notes that many in the audience likely read these books in school. She recounts rereading these classics during her studies at Harvard University in 2020, specifically in a course on leadership in literature and cinema. She shares that she read these books with her children, focusing on the lessons applicable to the present day. The speaker then focuses on Le pagne noir by Bernard Dadié, linking it to a childhood memory of learning to wear the pagne at age 10. She emphasizes the pagne's significance as a symbol of authenticity throughout her life.

2. The Pagne as a Cultural Symbol

The speaker connects the pagne to her cultural heritage, recalling her uncle, Bangier, who was her grandmother's designated weaver. She explains that in her community, women have specific weavers they rely on to create special pagnes, which are considered valuable investments. These pagnes are used in significant life events:

• Births: Pagne used to wrap newborns, symbolizing the warmth of the maternal womb.
• Marriages: Pagne used to cover brides before they enter their new home, representing a final moment of solitude.
• Funerals: Pagne used to shroud the deceased, providing comfort and a sense of connection to the departed.

The speaker shares a personal anecdote about using a pagne to cope with the grief after her grandmother's death, highlighting its therapeutic value.

3. Symbolism in the Speaker's Work

The speaker explains how the pagne and other cultural symbols influence her writing and poetry:

• Calbas (Calabash): Symbolizes the sea.
• Montagnes Russes (Roller Coasters): Represent the challenges faced by women, especially mothers.
• Horde de Louves (Pack of Wolves): Symbolizes the close-knit group of supportive friends.

She emphasizes the saying "attache bien ton pagne" (tie your pagne tightly), which is an encouragement for women to unite and overcome challenges.

4. The Speaker's Poem: "Mon Pagne à Moi"

The speaker presents a poem titled "Mon Pagne à Moi" (My Pagne to Me), which further explores the pagne's significance:

• The pagne is described as an "étoffe intérieure" (inner fabric) and a "couche primaire de mon corps" (primary layer of my body).
• It represents a "devoir de mémoire" (duty of remembrance) and helps face life's "turpitudes" (hardships).
• The speaker appreciates the diverse fabrics and weaving traditions of other cultures, such as the Scottish kilt, Indian Punjabi, and Maasai shuka.
• The pagne symbolizes "sororité" (sisterhood) and provides comfort to those in need.

5. Authenticity and Creativity

The speaker argues that "authenticité" (authenticity) is crucial for unlocking creativity, particularly in science. She believes that great scientists succeed not only because of their expertise but also because of their ability to tap into their authentic selves.

6. Conclusion and Call to Action

The speaker concludes by sharing how she uses her pagne to reconnect with herself during her travels and career. She encourages the audience to:

• Unfold their traditional pagnes and admire their geometric patterns and vibrant colors.
• Treat their pagnes as "tapis rouge" (red carpets), reminding them of their value.
• Keep their pagnes under their pillows for guidance and comfort.

She ends with "Bonne fête des mères à tous" (Happy Mother's Day to all).