A far flung hamlet in the outback of Burkina Faso is a hive of activity. It is the home of traditional leather workers, a group of women weaving strands of leather into horse reins. The reins are being reinvented as beautiful handbag straps, the unique feature of SAHEL Design bags.
Salamata and Fatimata are the elders of the group, while Ramata is the fastest and most skilled worker. She can do every different type of weave and is earning a good living. Younger women are applying themselves to learn the skill which they can see is now profitable.
The women sit on grass mats under a tree, surrounded by their children. There is chatter, laughter and a buzz about the place. The skills these women possess are a benefit to the whole community and a cultural legacy worth preserving.
I am a leather work final year student in tertiary who will love to work with you after school
Ibrahim that you for your comment. The artisans featured here have an extraordinary skill, don’t they? As far as I know they are not taking apprentices other than people in their own village. I hope you find someone in your local area who can teach you a traditional craft skill that you will enjoy. Good luck!