The art of making iron and silver into valuable products, which was at one time a source of pride and honour in The Gambia, is fastly fading away.

This historical and traditional profession in The Gambia, Africa and the world at large had one time enjoyed prominence in the country. Products of black and silver smiths were worn by many, both old and young, and served numerous purposes. Products such as earrings,   bangles and necklaces worn mainly by women, did play an important role in the preservation of our well-cherished cultural norms and values.

Black and silver smiths were very respected and honoured for their ability to make irons and silver products into any shape of their desire and that of the consumers. People turn to them in large numbers for their silver and iron needs.

However, it is rather unfortunate that such is no longer the issue in our today’s world. The impact of science and technological development has somehow affected the trade. The people involved kin the trade no longer earn that respect they used to. nonetheless, thanks to the commitment of some individuals in the persons of the Gambian leader, President Jammeh and few others like Bai Ebrima Mbowe, an erudite black and silver smith, who and runs a workshop at the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) in Banjul.

The Gambian leader is widely known for his uncompromising stance towards promoting and preserving the spirit of arts and culture in the country; hence the title: Champion of  arts and culture in the Gambia and beyond.

Mr Bai Ebrima Mbowe, in a short chat with the Arts and Culture desk, at his NCAC workshop, ahead of preparations to introduce the first ever black and silver smith’s school in the country, spoke extensively about the perceived black and silver school, his career as a smith, challenges, his trip to the 2nd Pan African Cultural Festival held in Algiers in 2009 and the prospects of art of black and silver smithing in The Gambia and beyond, as well as the important role played by the National Centre for Arts and Culture among others. According to Mr Mbowe, he learnt the skills of a blacksmith from his beloved uncle on Pasverence Street in Banjul at a very tender age. “ I used to go to school and later in the evening go to assist my uncle at his workshop. That was how I developed love for the arts ”, he said.
 
About the NCAC Museum workshop
Mr Mbowe, the black and silver specialist, revealed that the workshop was established  in the year 2002 by the Gambia Gold and Silver Smith Association, in collaboration with the NCAC. “The association selected me and Yaya Touray to work in the workshop. We make different products out of silver and other related silver products such as bangles, rings of different format, awards for organisations among others. We made the first award for the president of the republic during the Kanilai International Cultural Festival, and made a silver boat and sold to a tourist about two years ago. We enjoyed a good working relation with the president”, he explained to Arts and Culture.

The erudite black and silversmith further expressed his association’s strong resolve to inculcate the spirit of arts and culture in schools and children at a tender age. He thanked the NCAC for hosting the workshop and supporting them with reference to his trip to Panaf 2009 Algiers.