Author: Soumana Saley

The students participated in an educational field trip on Wednesday, August 15th. They toured the Cooperative CMAN and visited the National Museum of Niger.

As a result of the field trip, the students were exposed to the many beautiful works of art created by the master artisans of Niger.  They were able to talk with the artisans and see and feel the materials that they will one day be working with.  It was a very exciting day for the kids! 

I participated in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival earlier this summer. I went not only as a participating leather artist from Niger, but to also represent my foundation, ONG DIMA.

I must say, this was the most wonderful two weeks that I have experienced in a long time! I met many wonderful people during my time in Washington, DC.

I participated in workshops to demonstrate the traditional leather work of Niger. I also held a workshop for children so they could experience hand painting leather. Each child was given a piece of natural leather that was tanned in Niamey.  A magnet was placed on the back of that piece of weather so they could take their project home as a keepsake!

Thank you so much to the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage for this amazing opportunity!