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Craft Techniques of Mali

The Depository documents 5 techniques in Mali; by risk level: 1 critically endangered, 2 endangered, 1 vulnerable, 1 stable. Each record opens with a public summary; the full research record is free to view once registered.

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Dyeing & Surface Design

  • Bogolanfini Fermented-Mud-Dyed ClothDyeing & Surface Design · Vulnerable

    The dyeing of hand-woven cotton cloth using fermented river mud by Bamana women of Mali, producing the country's most internationally recognized textile tradition.

All dyeing & surface design techniques worldwide →

Architectural Craft

  • Djenné Great Mosque Annual Mud Replastering (Crépissage)Architectural Craft · Critically Endangered

    The annual, citywide hand-replastering of the Great Mosque of Djenné, the world's largest mud-brick building, by the entire community of Djenné under the direction of the Barey-Ton (masons' guild), an ancient institution that transmits its…

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Mask, Puppet & Costume

  • Dogon Ritual Wood Mask CarvingMask, Puppet & Costume · Endangered

    The carving of ritual wooden masks by the Dogon people of central Mali, who have identified nearly eighty distinct mask types, most worn by initiated members of the male Awa society during dama, a collective funerary rite ensuring the safe…

All mask, puppet & costume techniques worldwide →

Ceramics & Pottery

All ceramics & pottery techniques worldwide →

Metalwork & Jewelry

  • Timbuktu and Kidal Tuareg Silversmithing and LeatherworkMetalwork & Jewelry · Endangered

    The lost-wax casting of silver jewelry and the tanning, cutting, and embroidered decoration of leather goods by Tuareg smiths (Inaden) and leatherworkers of Timbuktu and the Kidal region of northern Mali, two of the principal population…

All metalwork & jewelry techniques worldwide →