The Dodo, previously endemic to Mauritius, is not only a symbol of extinction but also an enduring symbol of the island's distinctive natural and cultural heritage. Today, the Dodo's life has inspired a new generation of artistic and environmental self-discovery, most notably through the pioneering project "Dodoisme" launched by Mauritian artist Ravi Jetshan. This project, and the visionary Dodo Park ambition, also aims to reinterpret the history of the Dodo, and wonder what it can tell us about Mauritian identity, and how humans interact with nature.
The Dodo: From Extinction to Icon
The Dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was a flightless bird found in Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean. Its extinction, within a few decades of its discovery by Dutch sailors in 1598, has been frequently cited as an example of the dangers of man-induced environmental degradation. Its death was hastened by hunting, introduced species as predators, and deforestation, caused it to become extinct around 17005. Today, the Dodo remains a potent symbol of vulnerability, loss, and the non-reversibility of human activity.
But, as science has revealed in recent years, the Dodo was not the stupid, lumbering bird of legend. Instead, it was a high-quality island dweller, an important colonizer of Mauritian flora and guardian of the island's distinctive ecosystem1. Its disappearance was not merely the loss of a species, but an upset to the island's ecological and cultural fabric.
Dodoisme: Art as Ecological and Cultural Reflection
Ravi Jetshan's "Dodoisme" is a new art movement using the Dodo as a theme and symbol. Borrowing from the art movement Dada, Dodoisme explores extinction, ecological susceptibility, and cultural diversity loss through digital sculpture and cross-disciplinary collaboration21. The movement invites artists, writers, scientists, and the public to contribute towards a discussion about extinction, not only species but also languages, traditions, and ideas.
Jetshan's project started in 2018 and resulted in a set of digital sculptures and a proposal for a special art museum. His project breaks down and reinterprets the Dodo, bringing us to question the place of humankind in the world and our responsibility to nature. As Jetshan elaborates, "In this Anthropocene Era, the 'Dodo is Me'" is an appeal to action where viewers must put themselves in the Dodo's situation and be aware of human mortality.
Dodo Park: Education, Conservation, and Cultural Reclamation
The Dodo Park project, created in association with jewelry company Ravior of Jetshan, is set to provide an interactive learning environment based on the Dodo and Mauritius's endangered biodiversity. The park will include interactive exhibitions, paleontological landscapes, and innovative technologies like learning holograms and virtual reconstructions of the Dodo in its natural habitat.
The key feature of Dodo Park is its commitment to conservation. Profits from various Dodo-themed jewellery will contribute to local conservation efforts to protect endangered species and restore natural environments. Through art, science, and outreach, the program seeks to encourage increased awareness of Mauritius's unique heritage and produce action against ongoing environmental damage.
Mauritian Identity and the Legacy of the Dodo
The history of the Dodo cannot be separated from the issue of Mauritian identity. Mauritius is a nation built through migrations, colonization, and cultural synthesis. The Dodo, in its status as a lost native, reminds us what is lost when heritage-natural or cultural-is misunderstood or forgotten.
Both Dodoisme and Dodo Park attempt to reclaim the dodo's reputation, not as a failure, but as a force for regeneration. By remembering the dodo's position in the island environment and rethinking its image through visual art, they are pushing Mauritians to consider their relationship with nature and their responsibility towards future generations.
Conclusion
Mauritius is propelled to ask fundamental identity, memory, and stewardship questions through the Dodo. Initiatives such as Dodoisme and Dodo Park are not merely remembering an extinct bird- they are about creating a new, positive history that merges art, ecology, and cultural pride. In doing so, they provide a model for how communities everywhere can remember their lost symbols and build a more sustainable and meaningful future on them.
