> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: Ann Starr > Reference:: https://starr-review.blogspot.com/2011/12/values-of-craft-hand-made-in-dakar.html > Date:: 2011 > Tags:: #warp #Senegal > WeftLinks:: [[Equity value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft alleviates poverty]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > In Dakar, crafts are part of daily life. ### Highlights The text discusses the vibrant artisan culture in Dakar, Senegal, where handmade crafts are essential for survival and creativity. Unlike in the West, where crafts are often seen as luxurious, in Dakar, they are a vital part of daily life and reflect local resources and traditions. The author highlights the ingenuity of artisans who create unique items from natural and recycled materials, emphasizing the functional and artistic value of their work. ![[Attachments/482e9ec7efc51d866336cc5d804e91da_MD5.jpg]]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9M9KjOutkfe-A1Fs97qkqyC8nEsI_6kDRydeB-4Wt5-m24thxYPxAejrjI9zNb1NeJBP1rtTA0ZPDLyDaIHrbKedxFKjrNfDjqqp31_dmgvPDrdImr9AcMGqt8bWySwJdhULwLg3ojU/s1600/rattles.jpeg) > These rattles are among the hand-made items I brought back from my first trip to Senegal. Dakar is one of the world's music capitals, and though talking drums are for sale everywhere, these were unique in my experience of the city. They are made of large seed pods, attached by enough nylon cord that they rest between the thumb and forefinger both for shaking and knocking together. Nails secure the ends. > > The rattles were sold to me by the craftsman, who stood by the path, demonstrating the sounds made by several different sizes of pairs, setting passersby in happy motion as he did. He himself was the most crippled person I have ever seen. His legs appeared to have no muscles; they were crossed and intertwined like a puzzle. He moved by pulling himself with his elbows. But he was in business, making his living by his craft—which was a matter of ingenuity, necessity, and survival. Tradition? There is certainly a deep tradition of percussion instruments in West Africa, but it is not a fixed one: anything that will make a sound will do. Reverence for materials isn't required; only creativity—openness to possibilities is required. > > The hardwood serving utensils came from a small market run exclusively by artisans who considered themselves artists and who segregate themselves from the larger, busy markets where anything can be sold, whatever the quality. These utensils combine two types of hardwood, are carefully shaped, carved with traditional patterns, and were oiled to a lovely shine. At this market, all the artisans ply their crafts in the stalls from which they sell; it is important that their clients understand that they are not churning out indifferent tourist goods. > > I first encountered cow horn in the form of bracelets. > > Senegalese artisans use natural materials: Horn, mud, gourds, seeds, seashells, wood, and hair are all very common.