Dakar (2): Artisan's Village

Just outside of the city, along the corniche, was the Artisan's Village. Constructed for the Festival des Arts africains, the village was a place where artisans and craftsmen had been brought together in one central location to practice their trades and sell their goods. All manner of things could be bought here and bartering was part of the fun and sport of visiting the Artisan's Village.

One of the popular items for sale at the Artisan's Village was masks. Although the craftsmen would try to convince you they were made of ebony, it was funny how the black shoe polish would rub off on your hands! Ebony or not, the masks often represented the seven tribes of Senegal and were popular souvenirs among Peace Corps volunteers.

Dried gourds were hollowed out and made into various utensils such as bowls and ladels. In the villages of Senegal, no decoration was necessary. But here in the Artisan's village, the gourds were intricately patterned with wood-burned designs.

Woven fabrics were a popular item at the Artisan's Village. The looms may have been primitive, but the products that came off of them were wonderful.