Sissili: In Sector 3 of Leo, the "Tikeli" Auto-Moto Museum does more than just restore old motorcycles. Led by Omar Ouedraogo, this cultural project aims to preserve local values, train younger generations, and boost tourism and the local economy of the Sissili region. A visit to a site that is half-finished but already holds great promise.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the museum offers a unique experience as visitors are greeted with the clatter of old engines, evoking a sense of history. Situated in the city of tubers, the "Tikeli" Auto-Moto Museum aims to create a collective memory in the field of auto-motorcycle mechanics, promote endogenous values, advocate a return to the roots, and serve as an educational center for future generations.
The museum is meticulously organized into sections that showcase technological and everyday heritage. The journey begins with the motorcycles and bicycles, featuring iconic pieces like the legendary Cady moped and the first motorcycle of the national gendarmerie of Upper Volta. Omar Ouedraogo, the museum's creator, emotionally recounts acquiring these pieces to preserve them from oblivion.
Ouedraogo, coming from a family of mechanics, spent his childhood repairing motorcycles. This passion led him to start this collection two decades ago. He emphasizes the importance of building a collective memory, highlighting the museum's mission to educate children about their cultural roots.
To preserve these artifacts, Ouedraogo actively seeks out vehicles among scrap dealers and restores them. The collection is also enriched by local families who donate items, enhancing the museum's historical narrative with sections dedicated to electronic devices and automobiles.
However, "Tikeli" extends beyond mechanics. Its name, meaning "the granary" in the Gurunsi language, signifies preservation. The museum also features a traditional village, recreating dwellings of the Nuni, Mossi, Lobi, and Fulani peoples. Here, visitors can experience traditional activities like threshing millet and producing shea butter, offering hands-on learning.
The museum also hosts storytelling sessions and traditional music and dance performances, aligning with Burkina Faso's Popular Progressive Revolution, which emphasizes cultural promotion and a return to sovereign values.
Despite being only halfway complete, the museum has already had a significant impact. The infrastructure still requires development, especially the performance stage and dance workshops. Future operational challenges include staff recruitment and logistics management.
Ouedraogo is optimistic, trusting in government support, particularly from the Ministry of Culture. He appeals to local authorities and the community for support, emphasizing the museum's potential to boost the local economy by attracting visitors who will utilize local services.
The growing interest from initial visitors hints at "Tikeli" becoming a cultural and economic asset for Sissili, promising a future built on the richness of its endogenous values.