Koudougou: The Director General of Culture and Arts, Moctar Sanfo, successfully defended his unique doctoral thesis in art history and cultural heritage focusing on the granite sculptures of Laongo at Norbert Zongo University.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Moctar Sanfo’s dissertation, titled “The granite sculptures of Laongo (Burkina Faso): Stylistic, thematic and preservation approach to works of art,” was presented on April 26, 2025. His research addressed the preservation challenges of the Laongo artworks, highlighting their historical significance and the collaborative efforts behind their creation since 1989.
Dr. Sanfo’s analysis underscored the contributions of sculptors in forming a substantial collection of artworks, tracing a lineage in the history of plastic arts. He emphasized the crucial support from the village of Laongo and the State’s role via its cultural department in advancing the project.
In his examination, Dr. Sanfo detailed the iconographic and iconological aspects of the granite sculptures, noting that the collections foster innovation and creativity. His research covered the artistic techniques applied and categorized them using stylistic and formal frameworks.
The thesis also explored the thematic richness and production quality at Laongo, which enhances the site’s allure while presenting preservation challenges. Dr. Sanfo identified several degradation factors and proposed safeguarding strategies for the artworks.
Dr. Sanfo concluded with suggestions for further research opportunities, indicating that the Laongo site offers a fertile ground for academic exploration. His work received a very honorable mention from the jury, which included esteemed professors and lecturers from Norbert Zongo University and other institutions.
The jury comprised Professor Ludovic Ouhonyiou© Kobora, Doctor Emery Patrick Effiboley from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Doctor Foniyama ‚¬Å¡¬°lise Thiombiano/Ilboudo from Joseph Ki-Zerbo University, Doctor Noaga Birba, and Doctor Adama Tom©, both from Norbert Zongo University.