Pamela Tulizo's Mababu Reclaims African Women's Role in Slavery History
Pamela Tulizo, a photographer from Congo, has created a series called Mababu, which translates to 'ancestors' in Swahili. This collection includes 23 staged photos that highlight women's roles in the history of slavery and colonialism. Among the figures featured are Kimpa Vita and Queen Nzinga, who fought against European colonization in the 17th and early 18th centuries. Growing up in Goma, Tulizo was motivated by the resilience of the women around her and sought to address their overlooked contributions. The series also examines the commodities linked to the slave trade, like tobacco and sugar. Currently, Mababu is displayed at GC De Markten in Brussels from October 8 to 31.
Key facts
- Pamela Tulizo's Mababu series consists of 23 staged photographs.
- Mababu means 'ancestors' in Swahili.
- The series features historical figures Kimpa Vita and Queen Nzinga.
- Tulizo's 2020 series Double Identity won the Dior photography and visual arts award for young talents.
- She founded Tulizo Elle Space, a cultural centre in Goma, in 2021.
- Tulizo fled Goma in early 2025 due to renewed violence and now lives in France.
- The exhibition runs from 8 to 31 October at GC De Markten, Brussels.
- It is part of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel cultural diplomacy initiative.
Entities
Artists
- Pamela Tulizo
- Kimpa Vita
- Queen Nzinga
- La Mulâtresse Solitude
Institutions
- GC De Markten
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Dior
- Tulizo Elle Space
Locations
- Goma
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Belgium
- Brussels
- France
- Lake Kivu
- Guadeloupe
- Angola