do someones know where exactly it is from in gambia, i have tried to find this craft on internet but as far as I have seen this is the only publication on the topic. where could i find more about it?
Both parts of the film I made show dyeing cloth in Serrekunda and nearby Sukuta, both centres for batik and tied dyed cloth in The Gambia. These patterning and dyeing techniques are found in several countries in West Africa including Senegal, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Guinea Conakry. You can find more details of the processes involved in books about West African Textiles. If you need more information do let me know.
If you were buying in the small shops by the Serrekunda market in Gambia, you would ask for 'gara". This would be the indigo powder that is not made from the leaves of the indigo plant, but is the chemical equivalent. Indigo balls (made from fermented leaves from the indigo plant) are hard to find now in the Gambia. They are know in Mandinka ''kaaroo,"" Sarahuli "kaarafin" Fula "Ngra baly"and Wollof "chosane according to my indigo dyer friend Musa Jaiteh.
The kola nut dye has no chemicals added. The indigo dye traditionally used natural ingredients from plant matter. In the video caustic soda is used as well as liquid extracted from Wanda bush roots.( although this has been since replaced with sodium hydrosulphite.)
Nice techniques, but sadly I am not down with the chemical dye. This is why I prefer the Seereer tradition of weaving and dying. They use the traditional method rather than imported chemicals.
The dilemma of using chemical dyes is the lack of knowledge on waste management in developing countries, and how to handle the process without harming the health of the craftsmen/woman directly. We are facing the same issue in Indonesia. I hope they will continue to preserve the natural dye processes. Much nicer color, and globally loved in our today's market.
Beautiful art, made by very talented people. I would love to go and visit the place one day and join the locals to learn how to do Gambia's tie-dye. Any organized tour to go here?
@@abortionismurder4265 If i'm not mistaken, batik is indonesian wax resist technique. The Dutch brought them to Africa. It's become popular in africa but Indonesia barely get any credit there.
Of course they were paid when I made the film and also I bought their cloth and introduced them to new customers. One dyer Musa has since become a friend and I have taught him new techniques and introduced him to new outlets internationally where he can sell his products at a reasonable price
Hello anita, thank you for help spreading this beautiful art! I would like to contact you for some information and art exchange. I would be grateful for contact info. Greetings kaddy
