The Tuareg people are a group of traditionally nomadic people that originate from Niger, Mali & Algeria. One of the great things about working as the Ship Shop Manager has been getting to meet a group of these people. Mr. Toureg, as we call him, is a man that has lived in Guinea for 20 or more years. Deb, a missionary that has also lived in Conakry for about 20 years, has for years loved seeing the things that Mr. Toureg makes. Every week Deb brings in craft items from about 6 different crafters around the city and I don't have to go out to the market and source these items myself. Deb has been a great blessing to the ship especially with the quality of crafts that she has been able to source. Earlier this year Mr., Toureg started sending more and more things. He said that about 20 people had come from Mali because of the civil unrest there. The guys were making many crafts so that they would be able to rent a house and support their families while in this new country. Week after week of seeing these great products Mr. Toureg got an opportunity to visit the ship. It was great to show him where his products are being sold and for me to get to meet him. This Wednesday I was able to go out to one of his workshops and see the guys in action making things. This is only one of three workshops, now that about 50 people have come from Mali. They make "silver"/metal jewelry such as rings, bracelets and necklaces. Leather boxes ranging in size of smaller than a cigar box, medium size jewelry boxes and even large trunks. Wood items such as bracelets & key chains and a few other random items. I'll have to put some pictures of the items themselves, until then you can enjoy seeing the men at work.
