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Craft Techniques of Senegal

The Depository documents 7 techniques in Senegal; by risk level: 2 critically endangered, 1 endangered, 3 vulnerable, 1 thriving. Each record opens with a public summary; the full research record is free to view once registered.

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Basketry & Woven Fiber

  • Manjak Strip-Woven Ceremonial LoinclothBasketry & Woven Fiber · Endangered

    The hand-weaving of ceremonial loincloth cloth by men of the Manjak (also Mandjak, Manjaco, Njaago) ethnic group, whose communities span Guinea-Bissau (the group's homeland), Casamance in Senegal, Gambia, and Cape Verde.

  • Wolof Coil Basket WeavingBasketry & Woven Fiber · Vulnerable

    The coiled binding of thick local grass (njodax/ndiorokh) with thin strips of palm frond into vividly colored baskets by Wolof women of Senegal, a technique practiced for generations and transmitted from mother to daughter and aunt to…

All basketry & woven fiber techniques worldwide →

Food, Drink & Botanical

  • Ceebu Jën Rice-and-Fish PreparationFood, Drink & Botanical · Thriving

    The preparation of ceebu jën, Senegal's national dish, originating among the fishing communities of Saint-Louis island.

All food, drink & botanical techniques worldwide →

Ceramics & Pottery

  • Diola Women's Hand-Built Pottery of the CasamanceCeramics & Pottery · Vulnerable

    The hand-building and firing of functional clay pottery by Diola women of the Casamance region in southern Senegal, documented in detailed academic ethnographic fieldwork (1964-1966) as varying in style between the recently Islamized Fogny…

All ceramics & pottery techniques worldwide →

Mask, Puppet & Costume

  • Kankurang Bark-Fiber Mask and Costume ConstructionMask, Puppet & Costume · Vulnerable

    The construction of full-body bark-and-leaf masquerade costumes worn by an initiate embodying the Kankurang, a protective spirit central to Mandinka circumcision and initiation rites practiced across the Manding provinces of Senegal…

All mask, puppet & costume techniques worldwide →

Leatherwork

  • Senegalese Traditional Hide Tanning and LeatherworkLeatherwork · Critically Endangered

    The traditional deskinning, cleaning, pounding, tanning, and stretching of animal hides into leather by Senegalese artisan leatherworker (uude) families, historically producing shoes, bags, buckets, saddlery, and sheaths, and today…

All leatherwork techniques worldwide →

Metalwork & Jewelry

  • Wolof and Tukulor Gold Filigree and Granulation JewelryMetalwork & Jewelry · Critically Endangered

    The hand-drawing, twisting, and shaping of fine gold wire into lace-like filigree jewelry, and the application of tiny heated gold or silver beads (granulation) to metal surfaces, by Wolof and Tukulor goldsmiths of Senegal, historically…

All metalwork & jewelry techniques worldwide →