By Elisabeth den Otter

Ndomo is a textile workshop where traditional and modern cloths are designed and made, using natural dyes from leaves, bark, and clay. This process is called 'bogolan', or mud cloth.

The term Ndomo refers to the first phase of the (former) Bamana initiation societies, through which young people are integrated into social life. Solidarity, sharing and a sense of responsibility are traditional values of the Bamana, one of the largest ethnic groups in Mali. Ndomo offers social security and stability by offering education based on local knowledge, and jobs.

This center was founded in 1990 by Boubacar Doumbia. It is located in Pelengana, close to the city of Ségou (Mali). About 20 men work in Ndomo, and about 10 women from a women's collective elsewhere in Ségou supply the traditional black-and-white cloths.

The men work collectively from 8.00-14.00 hours, and from 14.00-17.00 hours they can work individually if they want. They participate in a savings system, so that they can plan the acquisition of a motorbike, support their families, or build a house (the dream of every Malian).

In a separate building the bogolan process is explained in an exhibition, and tourists can buy finished products there: scarves, pillowcases, place mats, bed cloths, etc.

Tourists can also attend a workshop about bogolan --the dyes and the patterns-- and make a small bogolan of their own.

Contrary to the often negative reporting about Africa, this film gives a positive image of a unique malian initiative.

➤  Videogallery

Video recordings, photos, text and production: Elisabeth den Otter

Editing: Wendy van Wilgenburg & Elisabeth den Otter

Samaké Records 08, 2010 ©

➤ CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS OF THE NDOMO WORKSHOP

➤email: edomusic@mac.com

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