Once known as the Kingdom of Kush, Sudan has made its way through several era’s. The new age is one in which they are striving to maintain the works of their own hands. In fact, their government has spread the motto,
“Let’s wear what we produce ourselves.”
The crafting industry in Sudan is largely made up by tannery and leather production, weaving mills, spinning mills, gum arabic production, paper mills, minerals, ores, and raw materials extraction. For the most part, weaving and spinning is focused on the most. Most of these crafts are made by women and more and more initiatives have been taken up to support their beautiful works!
Sudani’s adore bright and vibrant colors and this is observed in their beautiful textile industry. The art of weaving from natural plant fibers has been around for quite a while and is now being given new interest. Basket weaving is a traditional form of art in Sudan, and for many, it’s a very important source of income. They make the most out of the straw and palm leaves that surround them, crafting beautiful intricate baskets and mats of all shapes, colors and sizes.
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Beading is also a preserved art in Sudan. The Sudanese people believe there is more to beads than just jewelry. Africans make their own beads using materials like shells, stone, clay, metal, and glass, and they’ve been making them since as early as 10,000 B.C!! Complex designs are used to create beautiful bead jewelry or design clothing. Shapes arise from beaded creations, like flags or animals.
As much as weaving and beading is important, so is the art of carving. Sudanese people carve their works from many materials. These materials can include ivory, animal bone, clay and wood. Sudani men carve out shapes of animals, human figurines, and even masks. This particular art is an ancient one, and was once considered a form of preserving history.
Sudan is a country of many industries, yet it is still gaining new ground in reviving its cultural heritage. Click here to find out more about Sudan.