Preserving Sierra Leone’s ancient Gara-tie dye craft

Africanews (in English)

Preserving Sierra Leone’s ancient Gara-tie dye craft  Abubakarr Koma is keeping alive the centuries-old art of Gara tie-dying, a vibrant tradition that tells stories through intricate patterns and vivid colors.  READ MORE : http://www.africanews.com/2025/03/18/preserving-sierra-leones-ancient-gara-tie-dye-craft  Subscribe on our Dailymotion channel and receive all the latest news from the continent.    Africanews is available in English and French.  Website : www.africanews.com  Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/africanews.channel/  Twitter : https://twitter.com/africanews

Transcript

00:00This is how Abubakar Koma keeps alive a centuries-old tradition that weaves stories through colors and patterns.

00:10I've been doing this work for over 40 years.

00:14I have done this Ghana tie dyeing in most of the African countries.

00:21From here to Cameroon, Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, Ghana, Niger, I worked in all those countries.

00:31The ancient art of Ghana tie dyeing is a craft passed down through generations.

00:49This passion runs deep in Abubakar's family as they continue to preserve the legacy.

00:55We've been doing this Ghana tie dye for a long time, since I was young.

00:59I remember meeting my big brother doing this, and until this moment is how they've been able to take care of us.

01:05They originally came from Mali and brought along this craft.

01:08This is how they survive and take care of us.

01:11They've gotten married and had children, and now we've also joined them.

01:14It has played a big role in our lives.

01:18Abubakar is not only a master of this craft, but also a teacher.

01:23He is passing on the skills to many young people.

01:27I am happy to have learned this skill.

01:29This work is blessed. You can find it anywhere you go.

01:32You find it in any country.

01:34That is why I want to put all my attention to it, because this is where I survive and do everything.

01:41Every thread tells a story, while every pattern offers a glimpse into Sierra Leone's rich culture.

01:47In order for us to maintain this culture, we have to continue with it, because it was in existence since the pre-colonial era.

02:02Abubakar's work has travelled across borders, touching hearts across the continent,

02:07but his mission remains the same, to preserve a piece of Sierra Leone's history.

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