Today, I want to take you with me to the Village Artisanal de Soumbedioune here in Dakar. I personally think that le village artisanal of Soumbedioune is one of Dakar’s hidden gems. One of the last times I went there was with Youma, in order to photograph some items for her webshop! Today, I want to tell you more about the different products you can find and also the different types of Artisans that work at the village. Let’s get into an artisanal mood!
Village Artisanal de Soumbedioune
The Village Artisanal de Soumbedioune was actually created in 1961. The village actually gives an idea of what artisans in the country produce. However, it is not the only place in Dakar where you will find artisans. You will be able to find artisans on Gorée island, N’gor island, but also on marché Kermel, marché Sandaga and many other places. The artisans in Soumbedioune exhibit a wide choice of sculpted works like wooden statues, chairs and other furniture and souvenirs. There are also all types of leather goods from different animals such as cows, snakes, goats and crocodiles. Also, there are tailors and jewellers that can make anything you want. What I like about the village is that it is a place where every type of artisan comes together. So, you are not roaming all of Dakar from your tailor to your jeweller to your souvenir shop, so to speak.
Soumbedioune
Soumbedioune is also located on la corniche ouest, between Place du Souvenir and down town Dakar. And of course there are other things you can do around Soumbedioune. For example, if you walk further away from la corniche ouest, you will find furniture makers and you will find the gallery of Ousmane M’baye, a famous furniture artisan. You will also find Adama Paris’ shop or you can just roam around Medina, a neighbourhood surrounded by art and graffiti. What I love is that there is so much to see on this side of la corniche ouest. Also, just next to le village artisanal de Soumbedioune, you can buy fresh fish! A lot of people go there just to buy fresh fish. I will let you in on a secret: if you go around 9pm, the fish will be a lot cheaper than when you go in the morning or during the day *wink*. All in all, there are plenty of things to do at Place du Souvenir!
Have you ever visited le village artisanal de Soumbedioune? Let me know what your experiences were :). Check out the video below.
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Hi! My name is Aisha and I’m Ivorian, recently I’ve been trying to open my own fashion bag business but it’s been hard trying to find artisans of my choice and I mainly wanted to add on my African culture Into those bags and I thought Senegal is the best place to do so because they are really skilled when it comes to fashion. After reading your blog I was thinking that after your journey you must have met great artisans and if there’s a chance you could introduce them to me. Thank you.
Hey Aisha! That’s great congratulations. I am actually currently in Senegal and there are plenty of artisans here in Dakar. Let me know what you are looking for exactly so I can see how I can best help you!
Hello, My name is Kalisha and I’m African American. I’ve recently started my own luxury handbag collection which I design myself but I’m looking for an artisan that can bring my designs to life. I’ve been looking for ways to get in contact with artisans in Dakar, Senegal. I’ve been doing a lot of research and by the grace of GOD I came across your blog. Is there a way that you can help me? Thank you.
Hey Kalisha! Oh that’s great , glad you found me. I can ask for contacts next time I meet an artisan that makes bags and make sure he speaks English so you can communicate, if that’s what you want. If not, let me know how I can be of help. You can also send me an email at info@senegalesetwisted.com or send a dm on instagram @senegalesetwisted.
Thank you so much!!!!! I sent you an email to info@senegalesetwisted.com
Great! Will reply now!!
Okay, Thank you!!! I look forward to speaking with you.