The artists Yao Bobby and Jules Pennel, in collaboration with Agbodrafo’s inhabitants, have created a pirogue that has travelled through time, highlighting the traditional fishing that plays such an important role in the local economy.

The community of Agbodrafo has a multiple and sometimes paradoxical link with the sea. A historical link, due to the slave trade when slaves were torn from their culture and uprooted from their land, to disappear over the horizon. There is also an economic link, with traditional fishing providing some of the village's food. But the sea also causes damage to the coastline through beach erosion. The waves erase houses, roads and children's memories. Many people have lost their homes and have had to be rehoused.

To illustrate this link with the sea, we wanted to rebuild a pirogue that was badly worn, using local materials and fishing. By rebuilding it together, we're keeping the collective memory alive. The red earth on the hull is that recovered from the 2nd coastal road, which is gradually crumbling under the force of the waves. The mirrors added to the earth represent the reflections of the water. The superimposition of the two materials creates a feeling of transparency and lightness; the road, the houses and childhood memories disappear. Dozens of people from the village of agbodrafo took part in the reconstruction of the pirogue, and anyone who wanted to could tie a fishing line to the others to take part in the collective work.

Around forty children made three flags. Flags are used by fishermen to signal to other vessels that a net is in the water. Here, the flags indicate that the sea is advancing. The children also made masks representing people who have been uprooted from their land. These were made from objects that the sea itself has washed up on the beaches. Finally, a dozen coconut trees were planted. These trees protect us from erosion while generating the local economy through their fruit. They symbolise the deep-rootedness of individuals, in their culture, in the face of rising waters.

This project was carried out in February 2025 as part of a Métis Mobility project financed by the Métis Fund.