An Art Movement Built on Ancestral Wisdom | Jackie Lebo | TED

Quick Overview

Jackie Lebo advocates for a shift in resource allocation and cultural perspective in Turkana, Kenya, moving away from post-independence policies that marginalized pastoralist life towards models based on ancestral wisdom, cooperation, and shared humanity, as demonstrated through collaborative art projects that have garnered significant local support.

Key Points: Lebo traveled to Turkana, the northernmost part of Kenya, in 2014 to make a film about the community, which she notes has been marginalized regarding agricultural resources. The community sought more than just a fair share of oil revenues, desiring water and security to continue their pastoralist way of life, which is central to their culture and identity. Lebo and her team initiated collaborative projects, including bringing ten artists (five from Nairobi and five from Turkana) together to create art, showing that collaboration based on shared values works better than copying external economic models. She highlights the success of their first project, "The Flies Swearing in Africa," and their second, "Oil and Milk," which explore the clash between traditional pastoralism and the impact of oil discovery. The ancestral path of pastoralism, which involves cooperation and compassion, defines their humanity, contrasting sharply with policies based on Western models. The speaker emphasizes that their ancestors were stewards of the Earth, populating it for tens of thousands of years without causing harm, suggesting their wisdom is vital for sustainability. The presentation culminates with a musical performance by Elizabeth Korikel and Eddie Grey, celebrating the culture and collaborative spirit.

Context: Jackie Lebo shares her experience working in Turkana, the northernmost region of Kenya, where she intended to create a film. She discusses the tension between the community's traditional pastoralist lifestyle and external pressures, particularly from post-independence policies and the discovery of oil, which have historically marginalized their way of life. Lebo argues for valuing ancestral wisdom and collaborative efforts over imposed economic structures.