Sleeping market (Tanzania, Zanzibar)

In Zanzibar, many covered markets, such as Darajani in Stone Town, are based on a structure inherited from the colonial era: vendors are assigned numbered, solid stalls. The cement edges, here weathered by decades of use, are molded to facilitate daily washing with plenty of water—hence the discreet slopes and gutters.

Brightly colored plastic basins have replaced traditional wooden or metal containers: they are lightweight, inexpensive, stackable, and resistant to salt water, making them ideal for selling fish or vegetables. In the afternoon, after the morning frenzy, these spaces often become places of rest. This practice is ancient and can be explained by the rhythm of the equatorial climate: busy before noon, a break during the hottest hours, and a return to activity at the end of the day.

The traces of humidity and salinity on the walls are typical of coastal buildings constructed of coral stone and covered with chokaa (lime milk), a breathable material but vulnerable to sea spray.

This photograph was selected by the prestigious international gallery 1X.com, which recognizes works for their aesthetic and documentary value.