Mosque in Salaga in Ghana, of Traditional Baked-mud Sudano-sahelian Architecture. by Édouard Riou in 1892. 1892

This is Édouard Riou's rendering of the Mosque in Salaga, Ghana, created in 1892 using traditional baked-mud Sudano-Sahelian architecture. Riou, a French artist, offers us a glimpse into a West African mosque during the height of European colonialism, a period marked by power imbalances and cultural misrepresentation. The image, created from a Western perspective, invites reflection on how cultural encounters are mediated through the artist's lens, often reinforcing stereotypes. Despite the limitations of its colonial gaze, the artwork underscores the importance of representing diverse cultural narratives. It reflects the interconnectedness of global histories, highlighting the exchanges between artistic traditions and architectural styles across continents. The emotional and spiritual essence of the mosque is palpable, despite being seen through a colonial lens. Ultimately, Riou’s image serves as a reminder of the complexities of cultural representation and the importance of understanding the historical context in which art is created and interpreted.