Most of the bronze work in Africa is done using the lost wax method.  Working with local artisans, you will have the opportunity to create your own piece. You will discover all the steps in the manufacturing process: from the wax sculpture, to the earthen mold, to the melting of the wax and the bronze and finally ending up with the polishing.

The batik technique will hold no secrets for you after this workshop. You will produce your own piece respecting the different steps in the process.  At the end of the workshop, you will have your piece as a wonderful souvenir.

Bogolan is a traditional dyeing technique in West Africa. The origin is unknown but according to legend, a woman wearing a cloth dyed with “ngalama” walked near a river and the mud on the bank splattered on her cloth. When she attempted to wash it, she discovered that the mud had dyed the cloth and that it was indelible.

Several ethnic groups practiced bogolan in the past and continue to do so today, with each group evolving in its style.

Bogolan literally means “the effect of clay”.  In fact, the dye is a result of a chemical reaction after the mud is applied to the cloth.  The subtle differences in colour are obtained through the use of  mineral and vegetal matter.

During this workshop, you will not only learn the dyeing techniques, but you will produce your own piece.

The Djembé is an instrument composed of one piece of wood covered by a goat’s skin and held fast with cords and metal rings.  Their origin is in the Mandingue empire (West Africa) which stretched from Guinea to Eastern Mali, and from northern Cote d’Ivoire into Burkina Faso.

Originally, it was played with open hands for particular festivals or events such as weddings, baptisms, circumcisions, or harvests.  Each occasion and each ethnic group had its own rhythms. During this workshop, alongside a specialist, you will have an initiation into the drumming techniques.

The Balafon is a xylophone made up of wood strips of varying sizes placed over calabashes. Traditionally, the balafons were played while walking through the village to communicate a message to the community. Today, they are also played sitting down to accompany dancers.

A blend of harmony and rhythm, the balafon has become a favourite companion of the djembé and dance as well as traditional celebrations.  This relatively new combination of instruments has created a new dynamic in the field of traditional African music.

Strength and power are emitted from these instruments wherein lies the magic of the African land.

During this workshop, alongside a specialist, you will have an initiation into the drumming techniques.