Africa-Press – Gambia. All over the ECOFEST Village, located at the Monument of African Renaissance, showcasing products and other artistic creations stands as the preeminent activity. The venue serves as a platform to showcase African culture. Artisans and musicians commune from morning to late evening ; this harmony feeds from cultures from diverse horizons brought together by the Festival of Arts and Culture of West Africa (ECOFEST ) holding from November 30 to December 6 in Dakar.
At the heart of this symphony, artisans find a favorable ground for encounters, mutual discovers, etc.
Souleymane Traoré and Malick Diop, respectively Malian and Senegalese artisans, met at the Festival Village.
Question: What is the key role of your art in African culture and identity?
Souleymane Traoré – Malian craftsman, pearl specialist
“Craftmanship is fundamental because it enables us to know and understand our cultures. And when you know your culture, you give it value. For instance, pearls bear many secrets: They are natural materials, bearers of protection, symbols, blessings. Everything in nature has meaning. Unfortunately, many Africans no longer take the time to know their own values. Here is my appeal to young people: Return to our cultures, learn them, value them.”
Malick Diop – Senegalese craftsman, leatherworker
“Our work needs to be better valued because crafts play an important social role. A craftsman is someone who passes knowledge on: He can train children, offer a second chance school drop-outs. Craftmanship is an integration discipline helping families and the whole community. ”
Question: Faced with current challenges, what do craftsmen need most to develop and sustain their business?
Malick Diop – Senegalese Artisan
“We need better support. We do our best, but we lack a lot of things: Access to digital technology, computers, modern tools. If the government helps us in these areas, crafts can really evolve and continue to play its social and educational role. ”
Souleymane Traoré – Malian craftsman
“We need the value of our work to be recognized. We use natural materials to make jewelry, necklaces, and unique pieces that carry meaning. When people understand the cultural richness behind each creation, our work is better respected. Moreover, African crafts will even be stronger when the youth return to our traditions. ”
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