The Artisans of Bamako

I came to Mali seeking a Blacksmithing tradition established it seemed before the dawn of time. I would speak with people who still remembered ancient things about land and nature; how to extract steel from stone like rain from the heavens, an old magic. I would connect with something timeless and make art inspired by history... buuut on the way there I found these young boys out here doing some really creative work in the city. Bamako's artisans really look to me as if the prisons, crack-game, weed industry, and just plain idleness had been lifted high in the sky like a carpet, shaken mightily and all the young black men fell out and became artists. Everywhere young men are working metal with torches and hammers. Boys plane wood and make doors with creative designs in them, huge beds, furniture, you name it. Even more amazing is that almost every house has their work decorating it. All the houses have the doors these young men have made, the stylized window bars, etc. The tools made are sold right down the street and bought and used by everyone. Just imagine if the Black neighborhood actually produced its own things, they all had unique creative flair, and the same neighborhood bought all of this work so that it looked like a standing art gallery. I am inspired by the creativity and ingenuity. They make ventilated doors, which you cant see through, but ar can move through while locked. Perfect for a place that is always hot. I could list things and be here all night, but I wont. I'll do it another day. Till then take a look...