Often these stories are prefaced by a sort of oath to their truthfulness. On special occasions, especially at the New Year, Wolof communities are entertained with a parade of lanterns. In Senegal, these parades were banned in 1954, but they can still be seen in the trading centers of Gambia. In addition to singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, and storytelling, Wolof crafts people create ornaments. They are known for the quality of the fine, filigree gold and silver jewelry created by the men.
Women craft water jars, steaming pots, and bowls from clay.
Made without a potter's wheel, these containers are sun dried, and baked in piles of straw, wood chips, or cow dung. Leather workers make sandals, sheaths for knives, wallets, handbags, and a number of other items for sale to Europeans. The Wolof also weave colorful cloths made from cotton that is picked, cleaned, and dyed by the women. Other craftspeople make fine baskets and carve objects from wood. NiiCa Canada Ltd. Toronto, Ontario Canada.