The Woman's Museum- Goree Island Senegal - Musee de la Femme - Henriette Bathily

The Woman's Museum

The Woman's Museum- Goree Island Senegal - Musee de la Femme 
The Senegal Blog
Looks at the role of Senegalese women in traditional,rituals, community, folk arts and modern West African culture. Through field research, interviews, collections in families, photographic reproductions, recordings and films, consultations archive the results will be published in the journals of the museum - which will set up a structure to attract the interest of nationals and foreigners on an important aspect of community life and organization of our society that revolve 

around the woman.

The Woman's Museum

The Museum of Senegalese women is being able to allows non Senegalese to enter "privacy" of Senegalese society or for research, study, work or university, simply need to learn about the other. They can then compare  the characteristics of other ethnic groups, other communities, other regions: the customs, traditions vary between groups.

Contact Information
Museum Henriette Bathily
Goree, Senegal
Tel: 00 221 33
Tuesday to Sunday : 10 to 16H H3 closed Monday

Please visit our page for Day Trips in Senegal. 

Visit  page on Goree Island Senegal

The Senegal Blog

Oumou SY - Senegalese Fashion Designer

Ounou SY - Senegalese Fashion Designer

Portrait of Oumou Sy
The Senegal Blog
Oumou Sy from Senegal belongs to the most significant personalities in the African world of fashion. The self-taught designer lives and works in Dakar. She expresses her artistic versatility in the creative textile and jewelry designs that she produces using traditional as well as modern techniques. As well as directing theater productions, designing costumes for local and foreign film productions, Haute Couture remains her favored field, where she has also made an international name for herself as a fashion designer. She founded the association Metissacana, that supports the cultural and economic exchange between the continents and in which she also produces designs for the carnival in Dakar with her students.
In the last few years, Oumou Sy presented her collections in a variety of self-directed fashion shows in Europe and Africa. She owns her own stores in Geneva and Paris. She initiated the international yearly fashion sales week SIMOD in Dakar in which designers from all over the world have the opportunity to meet each other. Read the rest of the story....

Read about Dakar Fashion Week

Please visit our page for African Fabric 

Dakar Fashion Week 2012

Photograph by: Finbarr O'Reilly, Reuters

The 10th Annual Dakar Fashion Week  - June 11 - 17th , 2012
The Senegal Blog
For all you fashionetta's out there who love color and soul in their design. This show organized by African  fashion designer Adama Ndiaye is a must.

Dakar is on its way to becoming the fashion capitol of Africa. This African fashion show is a meeting between the wisdom of traditional Africa and innovation and dynamism of modern Africa. DAKAR FASHION WEEK is an opportunity to promote African fashion by collecting and partnering with all areas of fashion but also with music. Ankara fabrics, bold exotic prints, pop colors with modern silhouettes and shapes all mixed together for a contemporary feeling.

Dakar Fashion Week is a chance not only to see, but also to support young designers and models in their ambitions to open the international market of fashion. This fashion show is a cultural mix of African chic fashion and sounds.

Dakar Fashion Week 2010 (Photos Alexis Peskine)

Please visit our page for African Fabric


The Senegal Blog

English Bookstore in Dakar

Chez Alpha Books - Emglish Bookstore

Chez Alpha Books and English Language Services

You finished your book on the plane ..now what. Don't worry Chez Alpha Books ,Dakars English book store, provides a variety of services including English language training, academic advisement to assist students in their university selection and admissions process along with a English bookstore offering new multicultural fiction and non-fiction English books for adults and children.

For language students, we provide engaging and professional private and group classes including English conversation groups and business training sessions. Students who want to improve their English skills for academic study or for their career can customize their learning experience with our native-English speaking facilitators.

Academic Resource Center

Chez Alpha Books programs and services continue to grow due to the demand from our clientele.  Located in Dakar, Senegal, Chez Alpha Books and English Language Services is quickly becoming a go-to resource center for students and professionals of all levels.

Contact Information

Mamelles, cite des magistrats no. 20
(221) 77 576 0784 / (221) 77 642 6383 / (221) 33 820 6359
maizie@chezalphabks.com, or chezalphabks@yahoo.com

 Please visit our page for Day Trips in Senegal.

Bringing your pet to Senegal

Senegal Pets

Pets in Senegal

Is your pet family? Now your relocating to Senegal and you are worried if you can bring your pet? Thinking of ways to sneak kitty on to the plane?  Well no worries...
According to the US Embassy, pets are welcome no quarantine period is required. Remember that Dogs and cats must have a valid health and rabies certificate in order to enter Senegal. Senegal only requires that the health and rabies certificates be issued by a licensed veterinarian in the U.S. They do not require, as do some other countries, that USDA endorse the certificates or that a federally accredited veterinarian examine the pet and issue an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) form.

Some airlines restrict the transport of pets during the months of May through September. Airlines charge a handling fee to ship pets, which must be paid upon the pets’ arrival in Dakar. In addition, pets shipped from Dakar are charged a special tax that is based on the weight of the animal.For more information on the shipping of pets, consult the following Department of State Website:

http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c10442.htm.

Several veterinarians practice in Dakar, including a few who speak English and a couple who do house calls. There is also at least one veterinarian who does basic and emergency surgery. Minimal services, however, are available for seriously ill animals, i.e., no MRIs or CAT scans.
Tumbu fly larvae or “mango worms” infest animals that lie on bare ground, and can infest humans, as well. The larvae can be removed and a shot administered monthly as a preventative measure. Fleas and ticks are also very prevalent and require, along with heartworm, regular preventative treatment. 

Senegal Pets

Canned and dry pet food is available in Dakar, but it is expensive and not as good quality as U.S. brands. As an alternative, haché pour le chien (coarsely ground meat scraps) and pate de chien (similar to canned American dog food) can be obtained from local butchers and some grocery stores.

For information on bringing your pet back to the U.S., please visit the following website: http://www.cdc.gov/animalimportation/index.html

Destination Wedding Senegal

Senegal Destination
Beach Wedding

Destination Wedding Senegal

Are you an American couple thinking about getting married in Senegal. You want a destination beach wedding. You thought about the Caribbean Islands but wanted to do something different. You heard about the great beaches in Senegal and wonder if its possible. Well according to the US Embassy in Dakar it is. 

Senegal Destination 
Beach Wedding

How to Get Married in Senegal
The validity of marriages performed abroad is not dependent upon the presence of an American diplomatic or consular officer, but upon adherence to the laws of the country where the marriage is performed. In general, Senegalese marriages which are legally performed by either civil or religious officials are valid in Senegal; however, only a civilly-registered marriage in Senegal is considered legal for U.S. immigration purposes. Specific inquiries regarding the validity of a Senegalese marriage should be directed to the attorney general of the state in the United States where the parties to the marriage live.

Necessary Documents
One copy of both the bride and groom's birth certificate issued within three months bearing the words “issued in anticipation of marriage.” Americans, who cannot obtain a copy of their birth certificate locally, can obtain an “Attestation de certificat de naissance” (a notarized statement made by the applicant) from the U.S. Embassy consular section for $30 (or the equivalent in CFA). One form of identification and copy for both the bride and groom. Valid identification includes a passport, a driver’s license, or an identity card.

One witness for each the bride and groom, and a copy of their identification documents.Publication of the banns for fifteen days (the local authorities post it on a bulletin board located at the City Hall).

Procedure
Applications for marriage and the publication of the banns are normally done at “La Mairie,” or Town Hall. The actual marriage ceremony can be held anywhere, with most civil ceremonies performed at the l’Hotel de Ville. Prospective couples should apply and post their banns a minimum of fifteen days before the intended ceremony.

Senegal Destination 
Beach Wedding

Here comes the Bride...

So it can be done but done. But like in France you must have a civil ceremony first. Then you can have the main ceremony on the beach. The other thing is you have to wait 15 days for the banns to be posted.

Need honeymoon idea's? Please visit our page for Day Trips in Senegal.

Learn French in Senegal

The Baobab Center

Learn French in Senegal

The Senegal Blog
You want to learn French..or brush up what you already know. You have tried classes at your local University or/and tapes like Rosetta Stone and Berlitz. It is not working for you? You should try immersion. Language immersion is a method of teaching a second language in which the target language for example .. French is used as the means of instruction. Unlike more traditional language courses, where the target language is simply the subject material, French language immersion uses French as a teaching tool, surrounding or "immersing" students in the French language. In-class activities, and those outside of the class, such as meals or everyday tasks, are conducted in the French language. Why Senegal...not only will you learn the French language but get to immerse yourself in an African culture and traditions.

Here are several great options to Study French in Senegal. One of the best is Baobab Center.

Baobab Center Instructors

The Baobab Center

The ACI Baobab Center provides intensive, high-quality language courses in French, Wolof, and English but also in Sereer, Pulaar, Mandinka,   Portuguese, Portuguese Creole, Spanish, and Arabic as well as other national languages upon request. Their unique approach to language training is based on 25 years of experience teaching languages in Senegal. They focus on oral/aural language skills - - the goal is to strengthen each student’s ability to speak and understand their target language. Reading and writing are included to support the development of speaking and listening skills. Their experienced instructors provide students with personalized, interactive classes ranging from individual tutorials to small groups..

Live with a Local Family
ACI language students taking more than 25 hours of language classes are eligible for a home stay with a Senegalese host family arranged by ACI. According to your profile and preferences, we will match you with a host family within walking distance from the Baobab Center.

Baobab Center Cultural Immersion

Cultural Orientation and Day Trips
The Baobab Center organizes half-day and full-day Cross-Cultural Orientation sessions specifically tailored to individual and organizational needs, providing an invaluable introduction on how to live and work harmoniously and productively in Senegal.  Some of the day trips students can take included neighboring Lac Rose, a nearby wildlife reserve, an orphanage, Goree Island and a city tour.

Please visit their home page for more information on studying French  at the  Baobab Center  in Senegal.

Other Schools that offer French lessons in Senegal:

The French Institute

Senegal Style French Language School

Baobab Center

The Senegal Blog

Africa Unchained: Dyana Gaye | Filmmaker

Dyana Gaye  

Africa Unchained: Dyana Gaye | Filmmaker: In Shadow and Act : French/Senegalese director Dyana Gaye , whose short film, the vibrant, unorthodox musical Saint Louis Blues , was o...  Read the Rest of the story




Visit our page for other Senegalese filmmakers and Artist.

Senegal Souls Top Seven Things to do in Dakar

Top "7" Seven Things to do in Dakar

(In no particular order)

African Renaissance Monument

Things to do in Dakar

African Renaissance Monument  
The 49-metre bronze statue is a representation of a man, woman and child emerging from a volcano is taller than the Statue of Liberty, stands on a hill overlooking the capital, Dakar. It marks Senegal's 50 years of Independence.

Things to do in Dakar

Senegal Soccer Football

Soccer... Senegal Football
How about a game of soccer or football as the rest of the world calls it.Even if you are not a fan you will be before you leave you will be.  It is organized chaos with blowing of horns, live bands ,and of course its Africa.. the drums. If that's not enough excitement for you wait until you see the cheerleaders. The football season begins in February, and Dakar's biggest team, plays at the 60,000-capacity all-seater Léopold Sédar Senghor national stadium  

Market HLM -Shopping

Things to do Dakar

HLM  Market

Marche' HLM, " HLM is pronounced " ash-el-em and stands for Habitations a Loyer Modere, Meaning  affordable Rent Housing." Opened in 1976, this African fabric market has become one of the largest  African markets in West Africa. In recent years, it has became a favorite destination for Senegales . They can find cloth at the best possible prices.You have your choice from hundreds of rolls of wax-dyed bazin (dyed fabrics beaten to a shine with wooden clubs), vibrant prints, embroidered cloth, lace and silk. You can get matching shoes, bags and jewelry at the same place. 

Goree Island -House of Slaves

Thing to do in Dakar

Gorée is a small island 30 minutes from the city of Dakar, it was a minor port and site of European settlement along the coast. Gorée is known as the location of the House of Slaves. 

House of Slaves

The House of Slaves and its Door of No Return is a museum and memorial to the Atlantic Slave Trade on tiny Goree Island, 3 km off the coast of the city of Dakar, Senegal.It is said to memorialize the final exit point of slaves from Africa. Historians differ on how many, if any African slaves were actually held in this building, as well as the relative importance of Goree Island as a point on the Atlantic Slave Trade,but visitors from Africa, Europe and the Americas, along with world leaders, continue to make it an important place to remember the human toll of African slavery.Don't forget to visit the Woman's Museum on the island.

Youssou N'Dour

Things to do in Dakar

 Club Thiossane

Just north of Marché Sandaga it is the hottest club in West Africa. Owned by the legendary Youssou N'Dour, and when he's not touring the man himself performs here most Friday and Saturday nights. It is located at  Sicap Street 10, just say the name( it's pronounced Cho-sahn ) every cab driver knows the way.

L'Institut Français 

L'Institut Français  Dakar

Things to do in Dakar

The French Institute Dakar, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009, combines the functions and activities of the former French Cultural Centre and the former Alliance Franco-Senegalese Dakar (and St. Louis)   It is the place to study French, history, and culture of the peoples ruled by French colonialism in Africa ,You can relax in the gardens, stroll the art gallery,watch a French movie then dine at its famous restaurant.

Mosqué de la Divinité 

Mosque de la Divinite

Things to do in Dakar

Mosque of the Divinity was built by Mohamed Gueye Gorgui Seyni.Driving north on the coastal road, you'll see the beautiful seaside Mosqué de la Divinité perched on the coast near Les Mamelles quartier. You may visit during the day and it is free.

Casamance Senegal - The African Riviera

History of Casamance  The Casamance was subject to both French and Portuguese colonial efforts before a border was negotiated in 1888 between the French colony of Senegal and Portuguese Guinea (now Guinea-Bissau) to the south. Portugal lost possession of Casamance, then the commercial hub   of its colony. Casamance, to this day, has preserved the local variant of Kriol known as Ziguinchor Creole, and the members of the deep-rooted Creole community carry Portuguese surnames like Da Silva, Carvalho and Fonseca. Interest in Portuguese colonial heritage has been revived in order to exalt a distinct identity, particularly of Baixa Casamança.
Though the Jola are the dominant ethnic group in the Casamance, they represent only 4% of the total population of Senegal. The Wolof dominate the nation as a whole. The Jola's sense of economic disenfranchisement within greater Senegal contributed to the founding of a separatist movement advocating the independence for Casamance.

Cassmance Map Senegal

 
Further information: Casamance Conflict  is a low-level civil war that has been waged between the Government of Senegal and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) since 1982 over the question of independence for the Casamance region.

Climate of Casamance
The climate is low-lying and hot, with some hills to the southeast. The Region has average rainfall greater than the rest of Senegal.

Economy of Casamance
The economy of the Casamance relies largely on rice cultivation and tourism. It also has excellent beaches along its coastline, particularly at Cap Skirring.

See our page for other Senegal Destinations

Akon - Senegal International Rap Star

Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon ( /ˈeɪkɒn/; born April 16, 1973), is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.

Akon

 Akon rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first single from his debut album Trouble. His second album, Konvicted, earned him a Grammy Award nomination of the single "Smack That". He has since founded two record labels, Konvict Muzik and Kon Live Distribution.

Akon often sings hooks for other artists and is currently credited with over 300 guest appearances and 45 Billboard Hot 100 songs. Akon has worked with numerous performers such as Dr. Dre, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Quincy Jones, Eminem and Whitney Houston. He is the first solo artist to hold both the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 charts twice.He has had six Grammy Awards nominations and has produced many hits for artists such as Lady Gaga, Colby O'Donis and Leona Lewis. Lady Gaga and T-Pain are two artists who were given their chance at fame by Akon.

Akon

Akon's Official Fan Page 

Akon was born in St. Louis, Missouri, which his parents arranged so that he would have American citizenship, and not encounter future immigration problems. He is the son of Senegalese percussionist Mor Thiam, Akon was raised in a musical setting and taught to play several instruments including the djembe. At age 7, he moved with his family to Union City, New Jersey, splitting his time between the United States and Senegal until settling in Newark, New Jersey. 

Visits Wikipedia for more info on Akon the Senegal Rap Star.

Visit our Senegal Music page.

Senegal in Top Ten of Growing African Economys

That's a head scratcher. How could a tiny, land-locked African nation, best known for Idi Amin, lead a list predicting economic growth? There's more: Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Senegal, Malawi, and Zambia round out the top ten. Hausmann and Hidalgo project that these countries will grow faster than most others in the world, including emerging market favorites Turkey, Brazil, and China. In fact, thirteen of the top thirty countries for growth are in sub-Saharan Africa. Sweden, France and Japan rank 100, 101, and 102...read the full story  African growth? It's complicated

 Dayo Olopade

 Dayo Olopade is a journalist and author of the forthcoming book: "The Bright Continent: How African Ideas are Changing the World." She has written extensively on global politics, development, and technology for international publications. She holds a BA in Literature and in African Studies from Yale University, where she is currently studying law.

Please visit or Senegal Current Events page for Senegal News.

Cinq Centimes Cookies Senegal

 Cinq Centimes Cookies senegal

The Five-Cent Cookie, or in French, Le Cinq Centimes, a peanut cookie popular in marketplaces. Make a simplified version of the Cinq Centimes (the Five-Cent Cookie) you find in the market places of Dakar. Serve them later in the evening after your Senegalese dinner. Kids love these Le Cinq Centimes cookies and they are just the perfect snack size.
For the fast and easy recipe please visit the French cooking page for the Le Cinq Centimes Cookies

Please visit our recipe page for other African Food Recipes

US Embassy Special Edition January 2012

SPECIAL EDITION
In light of recent political demonstrations and the upcoming Senegalese Presidential election, the Consular Section has decided to print a "Special Edition" of Consular News. This edition will focus on emergency prepar-edness and define the Embassy’s role in the unlikely event that an evacuation is being considered.

Please know that the purpose of this edi-tion is to be a planning tool only. It is not intended to create anxiety or serve as an indi-cator of things to come. It is too early to predict the outcome of the elections and/or the reaction of the residents of Senegal.
However, using the past as future indica-tors, there are certain activities that the Em-bassy does expect
could occur. These are large demonstrations, particularly following the decision of the Constitutional Council ex-pected around January 27; or immediately following election day, February 26. Demon-strations are generally peaceful, but there is always the possibility of violent outbreaks. The Embassy expects that demonstrations and/or sporadic violence would be short lived (a few hours, over a day or two) rather than be on-going for an undetermined length of time.

No one can be fully prepared for the un-expected; however, certain variables can be controlled. This edition will encourage all U.S. citizens to examine their emergency preparedness.
December 26 - January 26:
Candidates file papers
Around January 27:
Constitutional Council announces candidate list; rules on legality of a third term
February 6:
Campaigning officially begins
Mid-February:
Voter card distribution stops
February 26:
First round of voting takes place
March 18:
Second round of voting takes place
(if necessary).

United States Embassy
 Avenue Jean XXIIIBP49
Dakar, Senegal
consulardakar@state.gov

http://dakar.usembassy.gov 

African Fabric

African Fabric -Textiles

Adinkra cloth

Adinkra cloth is made by embroidering wide panels of dyed cotton and stamping them with African symbols. There are many symbols, ranging from crescents to abstracts forms; each of the symbols carries it own meaning.The African fabric is produced in Ghana.

Adire cloth this Africa fabric comes from Nigeria. There are two types of Adire. One is made by tie 

Adire Cloth

dying or by stitching a design with raffia. The second method is painted freehand or stenciling.

Batik cloth you make patterns by applying melted wax on the fabric. A design is drawn onto the fabric. To produce a multicolor effect, colors are applied one top of the other, beginning with the lightest color.

Ewe cloth is similar to the Asantes’ kente cloth. This African Fabric is named after the Ewe people who originated from the southeastern region of Ghana. There are two types of Ewe cloth. Wealthy people wear a type of Ewe cloth that is
elaborately decorated. The other type is made from simple cotton fibers and display modest patterns. 

Khasa consists of heavy woolen striped blankets that are woven by the Fulani of Mali. The textile is typically 6 to 8 feet long and woven in 8-inch wide strips. Although the traditional blanket is white, it is also common to have
yellow, black, or red strips. Khasa is usually ordered for the cold season.

Kente cloth originated from the Fante people of Ghana, who sold this African fabric in baskets. Kente patterns have religious, political, and even financial significance. Today, there’s a pattern to indicate the importance of almost any special occasion, and colors are chosen to reflect customs and beliefs.  Because of its vibrant beauty and regal legacy as a cloth fit for kings and queens, authentic Kente remains one of the most popular fabrics on the market today.

Korhogo cloth is made by the Senufo people of the Ivory Coast. Approximately 5-inch strips are hand-woven. Mud is painted on the cloth to create patterns of animals, men in ceremonial dress, buildings, or geometric designs. The soil used to make this mud is usually black, brown, or rust and is collected throughout West  Africa. It is used for clothing as well as for pillows, wall hangings, and folding screens.

Kuba Cloth

Kuba cloth originated from the Democratic Republic of Congo (also known as Zaire). This textile is tightly woven using strands from raffia palm leaves. Raffia strands are also interwoven between the warp and weft to create
intricate geometric patterns. Kuba cloth comes in two styles. One has a rich and velvety pile; the other has a flat weave will little or no pile.  Kuba cloth is used for ceremonial skirts, wall hangings, or mats for sitting and sleeping. 

African lace denotes brightly coloured industrially embroidered textiles that define the image of Nigeria worldwide. Factually though, “the specific designs
manufactured for the West African market go back to the early 1960s when commercial relations with the newly independent state of Nigeria began. Since then, African lace has become extremely popular in Nigeria and the resulting clothes have been adopted as traditional dress.

Manjaka cloth is woven in 7-inch wide strips that are sewn together; this textile is distinguished by its intricate geometric patterns. Manjaka originated from Guinea-Bissau and has complex designs. 

Mud cloth originated from Mali and once worn by hunters. Mud cloth is made from narrow strips of hand-spun and hand-woven cotton, which are sewn together in various widths and lengths. The cloth is first dyed with a yellow

solution extracted from the bark of the M’Peku tree and the leaves and stems of the Wolo tree; the solution acts as a fixative. Then, using carved bamboo or wooden sticks, symbolic designs are applied in mud that has been collected from riverbanks and allowed to ferment over time. After the mud is applied to the cloth, it is dried in the sun. The process is repeated several times to obtain a rich color that is deeply embedded  in the cloth. 

African Brocade fabric is made from 100% cotton. Unique designs are intricately woven into shiny and starchy fabric. This cloth is also called Basin fabric. Brocade or Basin fabric is very popular in West Africa .

African Print

African Print fabrics are reproductions and machine made.This fabric can endure heavy wear and tear.