Artisanal Dyeing and Tanning in Algeria and Mali: Craftsmanship, Gender, and Nature-Based Solutions
Across North and West Africa, artisanal dyeing and tanning remain deeply embedded in everyday life, shaping local economies, cultural identities, and social relations. In Algeria and Mali, these practices are not marginal activities but living traditions that connect generations, sustain households, and contribute to regional markets. From hand-dyed textiles to traditionally tanned leather goods, color and craftsmanship carry meaning far beyond aesthetics. Yet behind this richness lies a less visible reality: the growing pressure that artisanal production places on water resources and ecosystems, particularly through the discharge of untreated wastewater. In both countries, artisanal dyeing and tanning are typically carried … Continue reading