Taala: Leather Craft in Mali
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Loading... - Yvonne Asare
- 16 Sep 2024
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Taala is a centuries-old form of patterned leather craft, traditionally created by women across parts of Africa. However, artist Ousmane Sarre is breaking with tradition by learning this craft himself to incorporate its originality into his own art.
Ousmane Sarre, a young artist and filmmaker from a family of traditional blacksmiths in Mali, returns to his village in Nioro du Sahel to learn the art of Taala leatherwork from his grandmother and aunts. Through this process, he aims to connect with his own art and express a philosophical dimension of traditional art.
Taala is a unique and intricate form of leather craft that has been passed down through generations of women in Africa. By learning this craft, Ousmane Sarre is not only preserving a traditional art form but also challenging traditional gender roles.
Through his journey, Ousmane Sarre meticulously learns each step of the Taala leatherwork process, from preparing the leather to creating intricate patterns and designs. He incorporates this traditional craft into his own art, blending traditional techniques with modern expression.
Recommendations
To promote the preservation and innovation of traditional African art forms like Taala:
- Support artists like Ousmane Sarre who are working to preserve and innovate traditional crafts.
- Encourage intergenerational knowledge transfer by providing opportunities for young artists to learn from experienced craftsmen and women.
- Promote cultural exchange programs that allow artists to share their skills and learn from others.
- Document and showcase traditional art forms like Taala to raise awareness and appreciation for their cultural significance.
