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
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
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
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.