Araouane, City of Sand
Araouane, Mali 2001
Local tribesmen climb the dunes surrounding the village of Araouane. In the distance, men water a herd of camels that patiently waits its turn at the trough. Bucket after bucket of life giving water is hauled to the surface with the aid of a camel hitched to a winch. There are eight wells in Araouane and they have been in use since time immemorial. It is the village’s source of wealth.
The constant blowing of the desert sands covers the small village houses. It is a constant battle to keep the houses from being buried. Sand drifts to the rooftops of the small adobe houses and sifts into the rooms, covering the floors with a golden carpet of sand.
The village is supplied with goods brought in by camel or donkey caravan. Seldom does anyone leave the village. Women probably never leave. They are born and die here. To leave would mean accompanying a caravan across 250 miles of desert and the women are socially forbidden (and probably physically unable) to do so.
A few years ago, a Frenchman tried to establish a grove of trees for the villagers. He planted the trees and taught the villagers to care for them. But when the Frenchman left, the villagers no longer cared for the trees. There were a few still living when I was there last.
Hi!
Years ago, I read the book written by the Frenchman you talk about (I had thought he was from Switzerland, but i’m sure it is the same person). Try as I may to find the book on the Internet, I am unable to. Are you aware of the name of the book, or if not, of the name of the man who came to Araouane to plant the trees and teach the villagers? If so, i’d very much appreciate if you let me know. I’d love to find and reread that book!
Hi, Katya,
I don’t know the name of the man who planted trees in Araoune. I’m sure you can find it on the net.
Thanks for subscribing to my blog. Lately, I haven’t posted any photos…I may begin again, but I have many personal obligations these days and blogging is time consuming. I enjoy sharing my photos and my experiences, though. I’m glad you found my blog.
Best wishes to you.
Rosemary
Hi, Rosemary, I did finally find it! It is called “Seasons of Sand Sahara: One Man’s Quest to Save a Dying Sahara Village”, and apparently a documentary was also made, called “Barefoot to Timbuktu”. I am enjoying your lovely photos! Thank you!