Docta: Ndaté Yalla Mbodj, Powerful African Queen and Daughter of ‘Watalantay Nder Defeated Colonization in Senegal

Senegalese artist and social activist Docta is a pioneer of African graffiti. For more than thirty-five years, he has used the medium to create powerful visual messages that give voice to the oppressed by drawing attention to social inequities, political abuses, and local histories. In this new mural commission, created especially for Emory, Docta depicts Ndaté Yalla Mbodj (c. 1810-1860), the last Lingeer (Queen) of Waalo, one of the four Jolof kingdoms in present-day Senegal. One of the most powerful rulers of Waalo, Ndaté Yalla fought fiercely against French colonization and is regarded as a hero of Senegalese history. Represented in her distinct roles as political arbiter, warrior general, and nurturing mother, she symbolizes female empowerment and Senegalese resistance to colonial oppression.

Watch a conversation between Docta and Emory’s Assistant Professor of African Studies, Bamba Ndiaye. Access a playlist of Senegalese music created to accompany the installation.

This is the first in a series of mural installations in the Greek and Roman sculpture court designed to prompt conversations between contemporary artists and the Carlos Museum’s collections, architecture, and site. It was created with support from Emory’s Institute of African Studies and Department of Visual Arts.