Monday, September 15, 2008

Gambia Arts and Crafts

Wooden masks
Which might either be human or animal or of mythical creatures, are one of the most commonly found forms of art in western Africa. In their original contexts, ceremonial masks are used for celebrations, initiations, crop harvesting, and war preparation. The masks are worn by a chosen or initiated dancer.


During the mask ceremony the dancer goes into deep trance, and during this state of mind he "communicates" with his ancestors. The masks can be worn in three different ways: vertically covering the face: as helmets, encasing the entire head, and as crest, resting upon the head, which was commonly covered by material as part of the disguise. African masks often represent a spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of the ancestors possesses the wearer. Most African masks are made with wood.


Mudcloth
Is a traditional Malian fabric dyed with fermented mud, particularly associated with the Bambara. The name is a Bambara word meaning "earthcloth." In the creation of bògòlanfini, simple cotton cloth is woven, shrunk, and then soaked in a preparation of leaves from certain trees. An artist then outlines an intricate design with a mud dye, often taking several weeks to cover the entire cloth.

Yellowish areas of mud are then treated with a caustic soda, bleaching them back to white for a stark black and white design. Traditionally, a man will do the weaving while a woman will do the dyeing. In recent years, fashion designers such as Chris Seydou have employed bògòlanfini in international clothing lines, while Malian painter Ishmael Diabate has developed it as a fine art form.

Batik
Melted wax is applied to cloth before being dipped in dye. It is common for people to use a mixture of beeswax and paraffin wax. The beeswax will hold to the fabric and the paraffin wax will allow cracking, which is a characteristic of batik. Wherever the wax has seeped through the fabric, the dye will not penetrate. Sometimes several colours are used, with a series of dyeing, drying and waxing steps.

Thin wax lines are made with a canting, a wooden handled tool with a tiny metal cup with a tiny spout, out of which the wax seeps. Other methods of applying the wax onto the fabric include pouring the liquid wax, painting the wax on with a brush, and applying the hot wax to pre-carved wooden or metal wire block and stamping the fabric. After the last dyeing, the fabric is hung up to dry. Then it is dipped in a solvent to dissolve the wax, or ironed between paper towels or newspapers to absorb the wax and reveal the deep rich colors and the fine crinkle lines that give batik its character.


Juju
Ju-Ju is a word of West African origin that refers to the supernatural power ascribed to an object or charm as a means of protection; It can also refer to the use of such objects, used in a form of witchcraft. ", Also the supernatural or magical power attributed to such objects. Juju’s are worn by most people in Gambia, often on the arm or around the waist and some times as a necklace. You will find many for sale in the local markets and they are often offered as gifts of friendship.

Silver Smiths can also be found in the markets hand made silver.

Enjoy your Gambia Holidays!

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.
Please visit our website www.ttag.gm

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Makasutu

The Mandina Lodges at Makasutu Forest are unique and luxurious and situated on a mangrove-clothed tributary of the River Gambia in the heart of the African bush and offer an upmarket experience in the wilderness.


Some guests choose to spend their time beside the enormous pool, simply soaking up the tranquility of the surroundings whilst others take advantage of the expert guides provided, to explore the 1000-acre forest and discover the beauty, people and wildlife on foot or by canoe. Many bird species, monitor lizards, baboons and monkeys have made the forest their home.

The 1000 acre Makasutu Cultural Forest is situated about 45 minutes from the coastal resorts and is the result of over fifteen years' hard work by two Englishmen


There are only eight lodges, maintaining an exclusive and serene feel to the whole setting. Evening meals are included and guests can choose to dine in their lodge or in one of the wooden or tented al fresco dining areas. Due to the location, menus are simple but the food is of a good standard. Low key lamps and the dancing flames of the fire create a magical mood.

The lodges at Mandina are built to an exceptionally high standard largely from local materials, however you may find there are fewer practicalities when compared to more mainstream hotels. The solar powered River Lodges are either floating or on stilts and the spaciousJungle Lodges are set back from the river. Each suite has a private but roofless bathroom and composting toilet (except the Jungle Lodges which are flushing). Fans are employed instead of electricity sapping air-conditioning.


The Stilted Lodge is on two floors with separate bedroom, outside deck and lounge area on the lower level plus upstairs dayroom, whilst the Jungle Lodges each have their own private roof terrace with amazing views across the mangroves.

Working with the local population and ensuring they benefit from the forest is part of the culture within Makasutu, so the staff come form the surrounding villages, therefore service is very friendly but may not be as polished as in some resorts. Makasutu provides a taste of real Africa; nothing disturbs the peace except bird song or the chattering of monkeys. The lodges are easily accessible, only 30 minutes from the airport and guests can spend their whole holiday at Mandina or for longer stays combine with a coastal hotel.

Mandina Lodges will accept children aged 12 years old and over during the winter months (November - April). All ages of children are accepted in the summer.


info@makasutu.com.
http://www.makasutu.com/

Enjoy your Gambia Holidays!

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.
Please visit our website www.ttag.gm