Ferlov Mancoba
Audio file 29-1
Wonga [speaking in French] Wonga speaks of the mask and the Aztecs
In files 27-1 and 27-2, Wonga expressed his interest in writing about masks. In the family archive are drafts of essays on the mask and Sonja Ferlov.
Ernest approves of Wonga's interest in "the unseen" and "spiritual" in the ordinary. That humankind needs the spiritual as well as the material. He sees societal leaders focusing on the material whereas real leaders and intellectuals see the need for the spiritual (referencing Marx and Kierkegaard).
Wonga explains that is why he is trying to retrieve the fundamentals of humankind via the inherent wisdom of the mask. Ernest speaks of the passing of wisdom generationally. They discuss individual versus group responsibility.
Wonga opines on the cost of progress [tape stopped and restarts] Wonga picks up where he left off with his medical progress example and concludes that one needs a scale of values
Sensing Wonga is upset, Ernest tries to stop him, but Wonga continues with his concern. He returns to the mask as a symbol that can provoke discussion in society and inspire cohesion. Wonga discusses examples like the Roman arch and Virgil's Aeneid.
[tape stopped and restarts] Ernest expresses frustration with Clavel's writing of German philosophers, especially on Kant. That Clavel's sees Kant's examination of the nature of man as a threat to Catholicism, which he sees as the natural belief for humankind. Ernest compares him to Nietschze who sees belief as natural to humankind, but it could be any religion.
Facts
PDFAbout the recordings: Ernest Mancoba's son, Marc also known as Wonga, recorded 200+ interviews with his father. The interviews seemed to serve different purposes and are not in chronological order. A selection, based on art historical relevance and copyright clearance, have been published.
Audio file 29-1 (c.1990-2002)