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Month: December 2011

Gakou family leatherworkers in Borgeinde near Djibo in Burkina Faso

Reinmakers – the Gakou Family

Posted on 30 December 2011 by Charlie

Since motorbikes replaced horses as the primary means of transport in Burkina Faso, demand for horse reins has fallen sharply. But the Gakou family in the north of the country is keeping the tradition alive. […]

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how to prepare a goat skin by curing scraping and softening

Curing a goat skin the traditional way

Posted on 30 December 2011 by Charlie

Goats are prolific across the Sahel, and when they are eaten, nothing is wasted. The skins are perfect for craftwork such as braiding. This article explains the process by which goat skin becomes leather. […]

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Making a set of tassled horse reins

Posted on 29 December 2011 by Charlie

Tassles are an important part of traditional Fulani reins. They are swung in the air to make the horse go faster. They are also an important part of some of our SAHEL bags. This article explains how the tassles are made. […]

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Fulani lady weaving a horses girth strap with a child on her lap

Making a traditional leather girth

Posted on 29 December 2011 by Charlie

As the means of securing a saddle to the horse, a girth strap needs to be strong and durable – which means that they also make great handles for our SAHEL totes. This article explains how these girth straps are made. […]

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Fulani stirrup leathers

Making traditional stirrup leathers

Posted on 29 December 2011 by Charlie

Unlike European stirrup leathers, Fulani stirrup leathers are multi-stranded and wound to suit the length of the rider. The Gakou family in the north of Burkina Faso have been making stirrup leathers for centuries. Here is how they do it. […]

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