Old Towns of Djenné (UNESCO/NHK)

Summary

The enchanting town of Jenne, located along the Niger River in Mali, boasts a rich history spanning over 700 years, thriving on trade in alluvial gold, leather crafts, and rock salt. Known for its distinctive mud architecture, including the iconic Great Mosque originally built in the 1300s, the town relies on local materials like mud from the river. The community engages in annual events to replaster the mosque, showcasing a unique cultural tradition. Jenne's residents skillfully use mud for construction and even clothing, highlighting their resourceful way of life amidst the challenges posed by the Sahara Desert.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ Jen is an enchanting town located along the Niger River in Mali, West Africa, with a rich history spanning over 700 years.
• 🚢 The town historically thrived on the transportation of alluvial gold and engaged in trade for leather crafts and rock salt.
• 🏛️ The Great Mosque, originally built around 1300, stands as the tallest structure in Jen and was rebuilt in the early 20th century.
• 🧱 Local builders create houses using sundried mud bricks, which are tough and rain-resistant when mixed with rice husks and straw.
• 🏠 The mud plaster on the walls protects the interiors from heat and is essential for maintaining the houses' integrity.
• 💧 Traditional clay water pots are used to keep water cool in the hot climate.
• 🎨 Mud is also used in local clothing practices, mixed with grass extract to dye fabrics, creating a unique textile tradition.
• 🔨 Each year, the community comes together to replaster the Great Mosque, repairing damage caused by wind and rain.
• 🌦️ This communal effort during the rainy season showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of the Jen people.
• 🌍 The town of Jen exemplifies a unique way of life that harmonizes with the local environment, sustaining a vibrant community.

Q & A

What is the town of Jen known for?

The town of Jen is known for its unique mud architecture and its historical significance in trading alluvial gold, leather crafts, and rock salt.

How long has the town of Jen existed?

The town of Jen has a history that dates back over 700 years.

What geographical feature is the town of Jen situated near?

Jen is situated along the Niga River in Mali, West Africa.

What materials are primarily used in the construction of buildings in Jen?

Buildings in Jen are primarily constructed using sundried mud bricks and mud plaster, with local mud from the Niga River being a key component.

What is the significance of the Great Mosque in Jen?

The Great Mosque, originally built around 1300 and rebuilt in the early 20th century, is the highest building in Jen and serves as a central meeting point for the community.

How does the local community ensure their buildings withstand the climate?

The local people mix mud with rice husks and straw, allowing it to ferment for a month, which makes the material tough, thick, and rain-resistant.

What unique methods do the people of Jen use to keep their water cool?

The people of Jen use traditional clay water pots, which help keep the water cool due to the properties of the clay.

How do the people of Jen maintain their mosque throughout the year?

During the dry season, minor repairs are made, and once a year, a major event is held to replaster the mosque's walls to cover dirt and cracks caused by weather.

What role do the wood posts play in the construction of buildings in Jen?

The wood posts that stick out from the walls provide support for the buildings and serve as scaffolding during maintenance.

What is the cultural significance of mud in the clothing of the people of Jen?

In Jen, mud is mixed with grass extract and painted on cloth, creating unique designs where the mud is applied, resulting in dyed patterns.