Ousmane Macina

Mali

Year(s) attended: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Gold & Silver Jewelry

For at least 10 generations the Macina family has made gold and silver jewelry in the sub-Saharan country of Mali, which is known for its gold mines in Timbuktu. There, metalworking is passed down from father to son and among brothers and uncles. (Women’s creative skills are directed to pottery and basketmaking.)

Following in the family tradition, Ousmane began formally learning the craft from his father. Utilizing the symbols of the great Fulani empire, Ousmane creates graceful designs of twisted gold and silver wire filigree and granulation. He uses the hand-made tools such as the Fulani tonde (anvil) and the fulah (hammer) to create his work. This jewelry is traditionally worn for special ceremonies such as marriages and births or for Ramadan.

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