Films

The Blooms of Benjeli: Technology and Gender in West African Ironmaking

1997 / 29 minutes

Directed by: Carlyn Saltman

Country of production: United States

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The filmmaker and two historians went into the village of Banjeli in 1985 to recreate for the film the traditional iron smelting techniques (which are no longer used) of the area. By focusing on the traditional technology the film offers fascinating insights on the society as a whole, and in particular the gender relations. The film also contains some early footage of the village.

Language and subtitles: English (no subtitles)

Region: West Africa

Country: Togo

Keywords: Art / Artists / Artisans Archival material / Museum displays History Material Culture

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