Guided by Love, Forged by Craft: A Refugee Artisan Love Story from Burkina Faso
Posted by MADE51 Team on
Ag, 47, and Cissé, 46, are partners in life and work. They have lived in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, since 2012, where they found refuge after fleeing their home. Originally from Mali, they were forced to flee after conflict erupted in the country. The violence led hundreds of thousands of people to be internally displaced or to seek refuge in neighbouring countries, including Mauritania, Niger and Burkina Faso. 
Both Ag and Cissé learned their craft from their parents in Mali, carrying this knowledge with them through displacement. Ag explains, “My wife and I have worked as artisans for very long. We learned it from our parents in Mali and have continued to craft since we came here to Burkina Faso.”
Today, as part of MADE51’s partnership with refugee artisans, they craft products like the Shooting Star ornament, as well as silver jewelry like the Assikile Earrings. Their work is a true collaboration. Ag works with iron, aluminium, silver, and wood, forming the structure of each piece. Cissé completes the process of the Shooting Star, dyeing and crafting the leather tassel, and polishing and finishing.
When they married, they also decided to combine their skills. “My wife and I used to craft on our own. But when we got married, we thought if we joined our skills we could be more effective and make more profit,” Ag shares.
Their partnership extends beyond the workshop. In daily life, they rely on each other deeply. Cissé describes this balance simply: “In my daily life, my husband plays an important role. He provides everything I need, including clothing and food for the family.” In their craft, she adds, “He works on iron, aluminum, silver and wood, and I do the leather and dye work.”
Ag speaks with equal appreciation of his wife’s role: “My wife is a real support to me in my daily life.” He explains how their collaboration comes together in practice: “When I finish working the star for example, she puts the leather and sees that the product is well polished and shining.”
Like many families, they face challenges — financial, emotional, and practical — but they face them together. Cissé explains, “Whenever he goes through financial difficulties, I often use my savings to support him. If he happens to be emotionally under shock or angry, I stay by his side, comfort him till he is well again.” Ag adds, “In hard times, we always support and advise each other… If the situation needs reflection, we reflect together and share ideas for best solutions.”
When asked what love means in their journey as refugees and artisans, Cissé answers, “For me, love first means respecting the other. Then, love means providing advice to the person you love for a better and harmonious life.” She continues, “He who loves you, shall advise and guide you on the right path.” For Ag, “Love is everything for me.” He reflects, “Every relationship has its challenges. But wherever love is, a solution is quickly found to maintain the tie. So for me, love is the foundation of every bond.”
Their expressions of love are grounded in respect and care. “To show my husband that I love him, I first show him respect,” says Cissé. “Then, I do everything I know will please him and make him happy.” Ag shares, “I prove my love for my wife by respecting her, honouring her parents, and avoiding anything that could hurt her.”
Looking ahead, they share hopes that are both modest and powerful. “Our first dream is to stay healthy,” Ag says. “Then, we dream of having enough means to strengthen our love, to take care of our family, to acquire a land and build our own house, and to support our four kids in their education for a better future.”
Through their work, symbolism and lived experience intertwine. The Shooting Star ornament reflects guidance — a reminder of the stars that once directed journeys across the Sahara. The Assilike Earrings' carvings echo the caravan routes through the Sahara, and the word 'Assikile' means journey in Tamasheq, a Tuareg language. In both pieces, there is a subtle parallel to their own story: love as guidance, and love as a journey taken together.
Through their craft, Ag and Cissé continue to shape a life built on shared skill, mutual respect, and love — patiently forged by hand, one piece at a time.
