The Sahel Collection: Celebrating resilience and craftsmanship in the face of crisis

The Sahel Collection, developed by UNHCR’s MADE51 initiative, honours the beauty, resilience, and artistry of Malian artisans. Each handcrafted jewelry piece, created by Malian refugees in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mauritania, is more than just an accessory—it represents the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of these artisans.

A People Uprooted: Crisis in the Sahel

The central Sahel region, encompassing Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, faces a deepening humanitarian crisis. Political instability, economic challenges, and environmental pressures, especially due to climate change, have forced millions of people to flee their homes. Over half a million people have become refugees across borders, while an additional 3.8 million remain displaced within their own countries.

Among these displaced communities are Tuareg people from Mali, traditionally a nomadic ethnic group known for their deep cultural heritage. Conflict, poverty, and climate stress have reshaped daily life for many Tuareg people, now living in refugee camps and urban centres across West Africa. Despite these immense challenges, Malian artisans are determined to preserve their heritage, creating jewelry, leather goods, and other items using techniques honed over centuries.

Crafting Hope and Heritage

Malian artisanship has always been about survival, creativity, and community. Artisans draw on long-standing traditions that emphasize resourcefulness, with skills passed down through generations. Men often work as blacksmiths, crafting tools, jewelry, and other items from recycled metals, while women excel in weaving and leatherwork, using natural fibers and materials to create functional and beautiful pieces.

One such artisan, Mohamed, a father of five who fled Timbuktu in 2012, now leads a MADE51 initiative in Burkina Faso. His business, Little Boxes from Sahara, showcases traditional art across borders. For Mohamed and other artisans like him, their craft is more than a livelihood; it’s a connection to home and a form of cultural preservation. "A job must always be done well and on time," he says, underscoring the Tuareg commitment to excellence.

The Sahel Collection: Honoring Tradition and Providing Hope

Each piece in the Sahel Collection tells a story, blending symbols and words that represent the resilience and heritage of its makers. For instance, the Ehanne Earrings are engraved with the Tamashek word for "home," a powerful symbol for refugees who have been forced from their ancestral lands. Through these designs, customers connect with artisans like Sidi, a Malian blacksmith working in Niamey to support his children and continue his craft.

"As a Tuareg blacksmith, I make almost everything that is necessary for daily life and survival in the desert," Sidi explains. "Thanks to UNHCR, I was able to follow different trainings and improve my craft. With the extra money I make, I will be able to buy raw material and continue to work and improve my craft. I will also be able to contribute to the basic needs of my children."

Keeping Traditions Alive: The Legacy of the Azalai Salt Caravans

One of the most iconic symbols of Tuareg life is the Azalai, or salt caravan—a tradition that has been a cornerstone of Tuareg culture for centuries. The Azalai salt caravans involved grueling journeys across the Sahara, with camel trains transporting blocks of salt from ancient salt beds like Taoudenni, Mali. While these journeys were once essential for trade, regional insecurity and displacement have made this tradition increasingly rare.

Bracelets and charms in the Sahel Collection pay tribute to the Azalai, such as the Caravan Bracelets, with zigzag patterns symbolizing desert caravan paths. Designs such as the Assikile necklace and earrings (meaning "journey" in Tamashek) also reflect these arduous journeys. These designs carry not only cultural significance but also a reminder of the strength and adaptability of the Tuareg people.

Supporting a Living Heritage

Each handcrafted piece in the Sahel Collection celebrates survival, creativity, and cultural pride, bringing attention to the resilience and beauty of the artisans’ heritage. By purchasing from this collection, customers not only acquire a unique piece of jewelry but also contribute to preserving a rich tradition and supporting artisans in times of profound hardship.