Senegal
A Saint in the City: Sufi Arts of Urban Senegal
Introduction
This module, A Saint in the City, presents a range of Mouride arts. The Mouride brotherhood, founded in 1883 by Sheikh Amadou Bamba (1853–1927), is a large Sufi order most prominent in Senegal and The Gambia, in West Africa. Its adherents are called Mourides, from the Arabic word al-murid (“one who desires”). Art produced by and for members of this brotherhood embodies Islamic philosophy and practice, as it shapes urban environments and reflects the importance of images in the everyday lives of Senegalese people, demonstrating the vitality of contemporary Mourides in Africa and beyond.
Sheikh Amadou Bamba’s influence arose in part from his courageous and nonviolent resistance to French imperialism. From the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries, the French colonial government imposed control over Senegalese politics, trade, education, and culture, and asserted the superiority of the French over the Africans. Sheikh Amadou Bamba preached peaceful opposition to this oppression. Perceived as a threat by the colonial regime, he was arrested, imprisoned, exiled, and persecuted for decades. But his influence persisted, and his teachings are perpetuated by the artworks presented in this module.
These artworks provide a glimpse into the rich and vibrant culture of the Mouride brotherhood. They also offer insights into the life and teachings of Sheikh Amadou Bamba, a man who continues to inspire millions of people around the world.
Vital Matters: The Gifts of Sheikh Amadou Bamba
Senegal
Official Name : Republic of Senegal
Capital : Dakar
Currency : West African CFA franc
Continent : Africa
Senegal
Population : 18,384,660
Official Language : French
Boarders : Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest
National Parks : Niokolo-Koba National Park
History
Wolof Empire (Pre Colonization)
The Wolof Empire (also known as Wollof or Jolof) was a powerful West African state founded in the thirteenth century by the Wolof people. It encompassed much of what is now Senegal and became a major trading hub and center of Islamic learning. The empire reached its zenith in the fifteenth century under the rule of Lat Dior Diop. Its legacy can still be seen in Senegal today: the Wolof people are the largest ethnic group, the Wolof language is the most widely spoken one in the country, and many of Senegal’s mosques and schools were built during the empire.
History
Colonization
In the early fifteenth century, European powers, including Portugal, the Netherlands, and England, vied for control of Senegal. Portugal eventually colonized the country in the fifteenth century, establishing trading posts that exploited and enslaved the indigenous population in order to gain control of the country’s natural resources, such as gold and ivory. France took control of the region in 1659 and continued these exploitative practices. It suppressed indigenous culture, banned the Wolof language, and forced the Senegalese to work on plantations. In 1677, France gained control of the infamous island of Gorée, near modern Dakar, which was turned into a major departure point for the slave trade by the Dutch West India Company.
History
Independence
The Republic of Senegal gained independence from France in 1960. Léopold Sédar Senghor, a well-known poet, politician, and statesman, was elected as the liberated country’s first president in August 1960, serving until 1980. Senegal became an active member in global world relations, joining the United Nations, the African Union, and the Francophonie. It is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including the Wolof, Fulani, Serer, and Toucouleur, among others. It is also a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, wildlife, and cultural attractions.
City and the Saint
“Whosoever grapples with the poetry of saints,
Armed only with a grammar book and criticism,
Will be put to the test!
For it is true that the understanding of a saint
Is more difficult than that of God Himself.
The understanding of Almighty God is manifest,
It is brilliant for those who observe it,
While a saint is altogether secret!”
—Amadou Bamba
Sheikh Amadou Bamba was a deeply revered Wali (Sufi saint) and Senegalese revolutionary who lived from 1854–1927. His leadership inspired a renewed sense of national pride and identity in French-occupied Senegal that reshaped the nation’s struggle for freedom and independence. As a religious leader, mystic, and poet, Sheikh Amadou Bamba founded the Muridiyya (Mouride Order), a Sufi movement that sought to revive indigenous prosperity by promoting the values of faith, community service, and self-sufficiency. In 1887, he established the holy city of Touba which developed into a flourishing economic center and spiritual refuge that symbolically rejected French colonial oppression. Using Islamic virtues of peace, faith, and hard work, Sheikh Amadou Bamba built a movement where colonized Africans became confident in their abilities and rights to prosper despite the challenges of colonialism. Though he was persecuted, imprisoned, and exiled by French authorities, Sheikh Amadou Bamba’s unwavering commitment to spiritual service and nonviolent resistance for the remainder of his life deeply resonated with Senegalese society, leaving a long-lasting imprint on the people and national identity. His legacy remains a major influence on Senegal’s spirit of unity and progress and continues to inspire millions around the world in the struggle for justice and self-determination.
A single photograph of Sheikh Amadou Bamba, taken in 1913 while Sheikh Amadou Bamba was under house arrest by French colonial authorities, has been the source of his portrayal over later decades. Features of that photograph—such as the shadows playing across Sheikh Amadou Bamba’s face and feet, the wooden slats of the mosque behind him, and his ethereal white robe—reveal sacred signs and messages to Mourides. The deceptively simple photograph, with its complex hidden meanings, has taken on a life of its own and given rise to thousands of visual icons in a range of styles, forms, and media.
Making Connections
Artworks depicting Sheikh Amadou Bamba can be found all over the world. In fact, the images we see of him today are replicas of him in this photo. He is portrayed as a wise and benevolent figure in paintings and sculptures. His clothing and demeanor remain consistent against a backdrop of vibrant colors and graphics reminding us of the importance of faith and devotion.
Let’s take a close look at this original photo. Consider the following as you look at this photo of Sheikh Amadou Bamba:
- What do you see?
- What do you wonder?
- What kind of mood does this image evoke?
- Why might people around the world choose to use this one image of Sheikh Amadou Bamba instead of creating new interpretations of him?
A Portrait of You!
If people were to use you in an image to express their reverence, what is something that you would want included every time? Think of an article of clothing, favorite accessory, color or object that represents who you are. Use a pencil and paper to sketch your portrait!
This wall painting of Sheikh Amadou Bamba appears on the facade of a shop selling electric fans in the town of Kaolack, Senegal. The saint is framed by an arch modeled on the architecture of the Great Mosque of Touba, the sacred city where he is buried. The writing proclaims that this is a place of the Master of Touba.
This poster is made of cardboard and is a collage of photographs and painted images of Sheikh Amadou Bamb, his disciple Sheikh Ibra Fall, and Sheikh Amadou Bamba’s sons, grandsons, and other close relatives.
Saintly Images
This restaurant door features a depiction of Sheikh Amadou Bamba, the Sufi Muslim religious leader who founded the Mouride Brotherhood in Senegal. He is revered by his followers as a saint and miracle worker.
On the left side of the doors is Sheikh Ibrahima Fall (1855–1930), who was a disciple of Sheikh Amadou Bamba. Well known in the Mouride Brotherhood, Ibrahima Fall established the influential Baye Fall movement.
This painting is based on the only known photograph of Ibra "Lamp" Fall, published in 1917.
Iconic photo of Senegalese Sufi leader Ibrahima Fall, who helped develop the Mouride movement of Ahmadu Bamba. Second only to the iconic single image of Bamba in its reproduction throughout Senegal. Taken sometime before 1914. Photographer is unknown.
Compare and Contrast
The image of Sheikh Amadou Bamba, the spiritual leader of millions of Muslims in Senegal, is widely revered in Dakar, the capital city. Sheikh Amadou Bamba was a Sufi Muslim mystic who resisted French colonial oppression through pacifism. His teachings formed the foundation of the Mouride Brotherhood, a peaceful resistance movement against French imperialism, which was shared by others, such as Sheikh Ibrahima Fall. The philosophy of non-violence is the belief that all conflicts can be resolved through peaceful means and has been used to achieve civil rights throughout history.
In contrast, other people and groups believe that armed warfare in the form of self defense against an oppressor is more effective. Before Sheikh Amadou Bamba, Senegalese resistance leader and military strategist Samori Toure led an armed revolution against the French.
Let’s Debate!
With a small group of classmates, research some of these leaders and resistance movements in the United States to determine their strategy for achieving civil rights and social justice.
- Black Lives Matter
- SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee)
- United Farm Workers Association
- Malcolm X
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Black Panthers
Which strategy/philosophy did each group utilize? Which strategy do you think is best? Within your group or as a whole class engage in conversation about which strategy works best, in your opinion.
The Mourides
The Mourides are a group of Senegalese Muslims who are followers or devotees of Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba. The official group was founded by Bamba in 1883 when he realized that people had great faith in and reverence for him. As a part of his teachings, he encouraged the Mourides to remain devoted to their faith and to engage in hard work as a means of protest and resistance to French Imperialism. He believed that creating economic power through industriousness would lead to independence. Today the Mourides have a strong economic system in Senegal and around the world that supports the lives of many within the Mouride community and throughout Senegal.
Economic Power
In the United States there is a movement for reparations for the African American community arguing that the unjust laws of slavery prevented African Americans from earning money and creating wealth that would provide the economic freedom that many others in this country have attained.
Watch this clip on the movement for reparations and discuss your thoughts with your classmates.
Do you believe reparations are fair?
Who else should receive reparations? Why?
How are you preparing to have economic freedom when you grow up?
Make a Connection!
In recent years throughout the world, community members are recognizing that many parts of society continue to highlight and celebrate colonial legacy, through the preservation of statues depicting or featuring historic personalities, and the naming of schools, buildings, and streets after slave owners, and more. Like in Senegal, young people and social justice groups have demanded these statues be taken down and replaced with leaders that better represent and reflect the values of the people and country. They have also petitioned to rename streets and schools. Some efforts have been successful and others have been met with resistance.
Click on the "i" icons to learn more.
Rectifying the Past
How about in your town, county or state? Have any historic markers been changed to denounce our colonial past?
Together with a classmate or in a small group, think about the names of some of the big streets and schools you know and research who they are named after. Consider these questions together:
Do you like the values these people stand for and represent?
If not, whose names should be used to replace them?
Walls that Speak
“When you put the painting of Bamba somewhere, that place will have luck every day. It protects us, and also encourages us. This is why in the workshops, in the houses, everywhere you see his symbol. People never have enough of it, they look at it and they love it.” —Papisto Boy, Artist
This mural in Dakar, the capital of the West African nation of Senegal, was painted by an artist whose graffiti tag is “Papisto“ (aka Pape Samb). A devotee of Sheikh Amadou Bamba, Papisto painted as an act of spiritual practice, his hand guided by the Saint. Papisto was a leading figure in the late-1980s youth movement called Set-Setal (“clean-up”), in which the Senegalese took to the streets to protest the lack of jobs. Demonstrating youths did not seek to stage riots; instead, they beautified public spaces by collecting trash and painting walls with popular culture icons, sports heroes, and Sufi saints. Their efforts also resulted in changes to street names and the removal of colonial monuments. Papisto’s greatest artistic achievement was a quarter-mile-long mural covering the exterior wall of a Bel-Air factory yard. He referred to his mural as “literature” and “poetry,” and hoped that it would give courage to the hardworking people of Dakar, while teaching them his views of world history.
A Global Connection
Senegalese artist Papisto Boy was inspired by dreams and a saint's guidance to paint murals. His most famous mural, which covered the Belaire factory yard, was a work of "literature" and "poetry" that he hoped would inspire the hardworking people of Dakar. The mural depicted a variety of scenes from world history, including the French Revolution, the American Civil War, and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Papisto Boy's mural is a powerful example of how street art can be used to educate and inspire people. The video on the right is archival footage taken in the 1990s to document his art for posterity. He said he wanted to create a mural that would "show the people of Dakar that they are part of a larger world and that their struggles are not unique."
What do you think Papisto Boy meant by this? Let’s take a look at some of the people in the mural to understand the global connection he is speaking of.
Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Chiekh Lo
Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba used the art of poetry to convey teachings on spirituality, cultural empowerment, and resistance in the face of oppression. Years later, internationally-renowned artists such as Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, and Sheikh Lô used music and songwriting to do the same.
Quotes:
Jimi Hendrix
- “When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.”
- “Don’t raise me up, I am but a messenger.”
The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child (Slight Return) (Live In Maui, 1970)
Bob Marley
- “Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?”
- “Playing a rhythm, resisting against the system. I know Jah never let us down”
- “Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver and gold”
Bob Marley - Is This Love (Official Music Video)
Cheikh Lo
- “We are all travelers in this world, but some of us need guidance. Bamba you are the light that shines the way”
Cheikh Lo - Degg Gui (feat. Flavia Coelho & Fixi) [Clip officiel]
Nelson Mandela
Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba and Nelson Mandela were prominent African leaders who advocated for freedom, justice, and peacebuilding. Both figures were persecuted, vilified, and incarcerated by ruling white authorities. Despite this persecution, both leaders remained steadfast in their commitment to empowerment and non-violent struggle. Their perseverance helped galvanize revolutionary movements that transformed Senegal and South Africa into independent, democratic nations.
Quotes:
- "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Education is one of the most important weapons: Nelson Mandela
- “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Nelson Mandela Rising every time you fall
- “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Nelson Mandela [English Speech] Its Always Seems Impossible Until Its Done [English Subtitle] 2020
- “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Nelson Mandela's - On Humility - Leading from the back with Oprah Winfrey.
Malcolm X
Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba and Malcolm X were ground-breaking leaders who harnessed the principles of Islam to promote unity, spiritual resilience, and community uplift. Their advocacy and unwavering devotion defied the oppressive power structures of their time, inspiring generations to continue their struggles for self-empowerment.
Malcolm X's Fiery Speech Addressing Police Brutality
Quotes:
- “We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.”
- “True Islam taught me that it takes all of the religious, political, economic, psychological, and racial ingredients, or characteristics, to make the Human Family and the Human Society complete.”
- “You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.”
Jesus / JP2
Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba and Jesus Christ are highly revered spiritual leaders who guided their followers through teachings of love, peace, and devotion. Both figures emphasized humility, service to others, and a deep connection with the divine. Similar to Jesus, Sheikh Amadou Bamba was even known to have performed miracles including praying on water while shackled by French authorities. Both Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba and Jesus left a lasting impact on their communities and their lessons continue to guide global populations towards greater spiritual understanding and ethical living.
Quotes:
Jesus
- “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
- “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26: 50-52)
Pope John Paul II
- “God’s love does not impose burdens upon us that we cannot carry, nor make demands of us that we cannot fulfill. For whatever He asks of us, He provides the help that is needed.” (Pope John Paul II)
Acknowledgements
This digital educational resource presents histories of Africa and the African diaspora through the lens of the visual arts, highlighting the perspectives and lived experiences of artists. The modules presented here support common core standards in history, humanities, and ethnic studies for 7-12th grade learners. Each module encourages students’ active participation in engaging with intersections between art, history, religion and current events. This project was generously funded by the Nissan Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, and the Lilly Endowment Inc.
To see other educational resources and find out about our team, please see the Fowler website .
Project Team
- Amy Landau, Director of Education and Interpretation and Co-Director of Engaging Lived Religion
- Francesca Albrezzi, Director of Digital Development for Vital Matters at the Fowler Museum, Office of Advanced Research Computing, UCLA
- Leigh Carter, Program Coordinator, and Educator
- Johnathan Glover, Head of Digital Learning and Innovation
- Gene McHugh, Head of Digital Media
- Marina Belozerskaya, Managing Editor
Texts are based on the curatorial work of:
- Gassia Armenian, Curatorial and Research Associate, Fowler Museum
- Mary “Polly” Nooter Roberts, Professor of World Arts and Cultures, UCLA / Chief Curator and Deputy Director of the Fowler from 1999 to 2008 / Consulting Curator of African Arts for LACMA from 2011 – 2018
- Allen F. Roberts, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of World Arts and Cultures, UCLA
K – 12 Consultants:
- Abeer Ramadan-Shinnawi, MEd, Educational Consultant
- Sandhya Rajan, MEd, Museum Education Consultant
