Gambia

In the crowded lanes of Banjul’s markets and in the quieter workshops scattered across rural villages, craftsmanship remains a cornerstone of Gambian life. Here, artistry is not simply a trade; it is a living inheritance, passed from generation to generation, binding communities together through skill, symbolism, and shared identity. Woodcarvers, often working with local mahogany or rosewood, shape masks, stools, and intricate sculptures that reflect a blend of spiritual belief and cultural storytelling. The process is painstaking. Hours may be spent coaxing detail from raw wood, chiseling patterns that echo motifs long associated with Mandinka, Jola, or Wolof traditions. Each carving carries a resonance that is both aesthetic and historical,...