WOMEN POTTERS IN THE SAHEL

January 2011 I spent nearly 3 weeks in PETEGOLI, a village in Northern BURKINA FASO, part of the SAHEL. I was given the chance to do a photo project on the construction of a pottery kiln for the about 50 women potters in the village, and especially on the work of the women. The kiln was designed by and financed through the French NGO: Development Workshop France, DWF, based in SW France, but was to be built by a team of local masons trained by DWF. Pétégoli has 6000 inhabitants, of various ethnic origins: Mossi, Peul, Bella and Tuareg.

The 50 women potters in the village are grouped in two associations; One already had a kiln, and an additional kiln was to be built for the second association. The clay is dug out locally and worked in the numerous workshops around the village. The production includes traditional pottery like "canaris" (storage pots), jugs, jars etc., but also new products introduced by DWF, like floor tiling and gutters. All products are for local use, sold on the local market, and sales provide a substantial income for the women.

The kiln, as opposed to an open firing, uses 75% less wood - and wood is in short supply in the Sahel! The kiln holds nearly one ton of products in one firing, and the temperature is very high and stable throughout the firing. This means less waste, better quality and higher prices on the market! More than 60 kilns have already been built in the Sahel area through DWF.

I followed the building of the kiln, by the local masons, but especially the women in their workshops, and I shared their daily life in the village. They accepted my role as photographer, and in spite of my very limited vocabulary of their language, Mooré, our communication was rather uncomplicated. Mimicking, smiling and joking is universal!

Their working conditions are difficult. Digging out and working the clay is hard work, and so are all the daily household routines: Providing water and wood, grinding the millet, cooking, washing, taking care of the children and so much more. Very full working days! However, I must admire the power, dignity, pride, integrity, humor and loyalty of all the women I met in Pétégoli.

Through this project and the resulting exhibition I wished to honour the women of Pétégoli.

If you wish to see my B/W portraits of the women potters, go to AFRICAN PORTRAITS.

LES FEMMES POTIERES DU SAHEL - un reportage fait en 2011 à PETEGOLI au nord du BURKINA FASO. Je suis restée 3 semaines dans le village pour suivre la construction d'un four à poterie pour les femmes mais aussi le travail de ces femmes dans leurs ateliers. Cette série a été exposée plusieurs fois