Hiking in Mali - part 3

Some time ago I started the Mali series, for updating check out  parts 1   and 2.

We kept on walking for days always sticking to our sacred four hour midday heat break, until we reached the village from where we branched off the main route, back up onto the plateau. At this very long lunch hour we saw weavers and dyers at work, producing their pretty blankets and throws.

These natural colors and patterns are typical and can be found in many parts of West Africa.

And no, the child was not into child labor.

The mighty Baobab - or African Breadfruit Tree - is one of natures big floral designs. Not only awesome looking, it is also extremely useful to those living close to one. It offers shade, moisture, nutrious fruit and a bark like no other. The bark can be peeled and It´s bast-fiber can be used for clothing, roofing material, ropes, mats, nets, boxes, baskets and even paper. When peeled, the tree regenerates its bark, so that it can be harvested in certain periods. Baobabs can live up to two thousand years of age, yet they seldomly will be let. Due to its peculiar look, some African legends have it that the Devil planted the tree upside down. The tree in the left picture above could easily be 500 years or older.

The little stream running alongside the Falaise is a

lifeline for local micro-farmers.

Baboons hanging from grain storages ward off hungry thieves. A working relict dating from Animistic times.

Christianity, Islam and Animism comingle into what people want and need.

It´s an approach we can all take to heart.

More of Mali 2004 to come...

Mali pics