The sculptures, the souvenir par excellence
Whether in the markets, souvenir stores or craft villages, no tourist can ignore the multitude of wooden sculptures on the stalls. Here, there are few statuettes or ritual masks, as can be found in other countries of Black Africa, but pirogues, African silhouettes and animals that can be found in identical form throughout the country. From the monkeys of wisdom to the big giraffe, passing by the statue of the thinker or the Senegalese woman, these creations are mostly made of precious wood like ebony or teak. However, be careful not to confuse ebony with another wood, which can be identified by its two colors, black and light brown, and its weight, heavier than teak. For those who discover Senegal for the first time, one of these wooden sculptures will undoubtedly be an essential souvenir to decorate their home. Even if copies are legion in the country, the Senegalese, mostly men, have a pronounced gift for the creation of wooden sculptures, the result of a traditional know-how, originally used for the realization of everyday objects. But for those who are weary of imitation, you will have to turn to more marginal artists, those who have adapted this art to their time. In an ecological concern, they have thus imagined sculptures based on recycled materials. From old tires, aluminum cans, capsules or even bicycle parts, the sculptures now have another face in the galleries of some artists. Some of them stand out from the others by their originality, others represent the same figures as the wooden ones, but be sure that if you look a little bit, on the side of art galleries or concept-stores, you will have a real crush!
The fixed, a Senegalese specificity
Introduced to Senegal in the early 20th century by Arab-Berber merchants, under-glass painting, called suwer in Wolof, is today one of the most popular arts in the country. The technique, very precise and meticulous, consists of spreading the layers of paint in the reverse order of the temporal hierarchy of a canvas. Thus, the artist begins by signing, before drawing the characters and ending with the background or decor. For a long time, these paintings have been used as cheap photographs, and many people have had their portraits taken in this way. Look for the signature of the late Gora Mbengue, among the most popular of the traditional souwerists. Or, in the category of the rising generations, such as those of Serigne Diagne and Germaine Anta Gaye, who offer more abstract works bringing, according to connoisseurs, a real change in the naive conception of the classic suwer . Of course, these works by renowned artists come at a cost, and can be found in galleries. For the smaller budget, there are pretty, colorful, but more common fixtures in markets, stalls or on the sidewalk. Made by street artisans, some of whom are better at the technique than others, they often depict scenes of daily life, portraits of Senegalese people or landscapes. However, with the passing of time and requests, the inspiration of the Senegalese has evolved and one can now find on the stalls many fixed with humorous drawings and even reproductions of Tintin covers, for the fans!
The batik fabric, in clothing or in decoration
In bulk markets or in carefully folded stores, you will find a multitude of pretty fabrics, very colorful and sold by the meter, for which it will sometimes be difficult to make a choice. Some will opt for wax fabric, mostly from the Netherlands, others for batik, those fabrics dyed with wax. In Senegal, it is the business of women who perpetuate the technique of batik for generations. On linen or cotton fabrics, they mark the patterns to be reproduced and then coat with wax the parts they wish to protect. The fabric is then dipped in a bath of vegetable-based paint to represent the first patterns. This step is repeated several times until the fabric obtains the desired look. These are usually shimmering paintings that represent everyday life and can brighten up a room, like a painting. But creators and designers have understood that batik is also very popular in the design of clothing. You can find by shopping, including craft, pretty dresses, tunics or pants where different tones and contrasts are mixed. And if you have fallen for a fabric and its African patterns, why not buy it by the meter and go to a dressmaker? It will only cost you a handful of euros for a custom-made garment to your taste!
The jewel in all its states
Whether they serve as talisman or simple beauty accessories, jewelry has always been an integral part of the life of the Senegalese. A varied craft industry has therefore developed, offering all types of jewelry, where everyone can find their happiness. This craft is attributed particularly to the Senegalese caste of blacksmiths, the Niénois, whose manufacturing secrets are passed down from father to son. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings are thus made of gold or silver, according to ancestral techniques well kept. You can also find, on the markets or in the artisanal villages, beautiful jewelry made of wood, wax and even warthog horn, which will add a nice touch to your look. Many pieces of jewelry are also made of beads, ancient or modern, and offer very nice ornaments. It's up to you to decide how much you want to pay for it, but prices can be high, depending on the authenticity of the bead. You will also find several stores run by Mauritanians that offer necklaces, earrings and bracelets of Tuareg origin, mostly made of silver or alloy. Generally, you will have to negotiate a bit to get an affordable price. But you're starting to become an expert haggler, aren't you?
Basketry and pottery, specificities of Casamance
Although roast baskets and ceramics are easily found in markets and craft villages throughout Senegal, both crafts are derived from the traditions of the Diola people, who live primarily in Casamance. Basketry is the story of men who have passed down traditional skills for generations. Sitting on a stool, with long leaves of roasted trees in their hands, they dexterously weave baskets or mats, intended primarily for daily life. But with the development of tourism, the basket weavers now create lampshades, lamps and jewelry boxes, sometimes colored with vegetable ink. As for pottery, it is the art of women, especially in the village of Edioungou, in Lower Casamance, where it has been anchored in the customs for generations. Here, in each house, there is a potter who has converted a space in her yard into a workshop. For her everyday objects or her creations, she uses clay extracted from the bolongs, which is desalted and then mixed with a dust of shells. From there, she shapes the object according to the colombin technique, one of the oldest in the history of pottery, which consists of superimposing strands of clay, then smoothing them with a shell. In addition to the village, these ceramics are sold throughout the region.
Local products with undeniable virtues
Exotic jams, honey from Kolda, shea butter, warang liqueur, hibiscus powder, baobab or sesame oil, the trade of local products is gradually starting to develop in Senegal, in small stores, grocery stores and even concept stores. Made from local plants or fruits, these products are mostly manufactured in an artisanal way, thus keeping all the virtues of the raw materials. Gourmets will opt for the artisanal jams whose natural flavors are not lacking in Senegal. Bissap, bouye, mango, tamarind or cashew apples, to each his preference! You can also bring back in your luggage shea butter or baobab oil, whose nourishing properties for the skin and hair are well known. Although shea butter can still be bought in traditional markets by weight and packed in an ugly black bag, it is now marketed, like many cosmetics, in more suitable and more hygienic packaging.
Woven loincloths and accessories of exceptional quality
An ancestral African custom, weaving is a meticulous art practiced by various ethnic groups in Senegal. Originally intended for important family ceremonies such as births or weddings, the woven loincloth has now become a staple of African fashion, renowned for its quality and the beauty of its motifs. The techniques have remained the same, on large traditional looms where seasoned weavers meticulously perpetuate a tradition that goes back generations. From purses and bags to pillowcases, scarves and plaids, loincloths are now available in all shapes and sizes, with contemporary designers and stylists reappropriating this traditional material. During your trip, you'll have the opportunity to appreciate this craft in various boutiques, galleries and workshops, such as Signes & Symboles d'Afrique in Saint-Louis, Galerie Tisserand and Johanna Bramble's workshop in Dakar. Here, prices are fixed and generally displayed.
