Decorated pages from a miniature Koran, late 17th-early 18th century
Hausa culture, Nigeria.
Werner Forman/Art Resource, NY
Africa
West Africa
Hausa leatherwork is legendary throughout West Africa and across the Sahel. Among the many beautiful items created by Hausa leatherworkers are intricately constructed sandals and boots decorated with narrow strips of leather arranged in striking geometric designs. Traditionally, Hausa leather and leather goods were traded all over the Sahel region. The Hausa traditionally dyed their leather with natural pigments such as henna.