The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-11-13
AFRICAN ARTS AND MANUFACTURES

Travellers in Africa all coincide in one i'm
portant particular, namely, that the natives of
that continent exhibit a remarkable degree of
genius. and display their numerous manufac-
tured articles such knowledge of mechanics
as to agreeably surprise all who have heard of
or been privileged to behold their handiwork.
Iron ore of superior quality is found in inn
mense quantities, and from it are made, by the
untaucht natives, ornamental and useful arti-
cles, such as spears arrows rings chains, hoes
bracelets, &c. A small but regular amount of
this material, made into a peculiar shape, is
called "bar," and appears to be the standard
of value by which their currency is regulated.
They are exceedingly skilful in the tanning
and manufacture Of leather. Their amulet
cases, spear and dagger sheaths whips, brides,
pouches, powder-flasks, sandals, boots, &c, are
made with remarkable neatness
In addition to these may bc named, their
war-horns made from the tusks of elephants
and other animals; their musical Instruments
the strings of the "banjon being formed from
fibres of trees Their bags for carrying mate
rails, and baskets of all sizes and descriptions,
are wrought with great symmetry and beauty
from sea- grass and the leaves Of their innumer-
able and useful trees, plants, &c The palm
tree says a traveller, is applied by them to
three hundred and sixty-fve uses. Huts are
matched with palm leaves its fbres are used
for fishing tackle, ropes sleeves, Irvine, &c. J;
a rough cloth is made from the inner bark the
fruit IL roasted and is excellent; the oil serves
for butter; and the wine in n iavorite drink
In some portions of Africa they are exceed.
ngly skilful in making canoes These are dug
out of trees and are amazingly large. Some
are capable of carrying from fifty to one hun
dred and fifty persons, besides ten or twelve
hands to pull. Mats in abundance, Of all kinds,
sizes, and qualities sve manufactured, chiefly
by the women. These mats are used for many
purposes-to sleep on, partition of rooms, for
bed-curtains, bags, carpets, &c; the fine ones
make nice tabe-coyers, and are used for cloth
ing. They look az il they were woven-are
sometimes eight feet wide and fifteen or twenty
feet long.
Clothes are made in abundance; they are
spun without any wheel) from the native cot
ton. and woven in strip from five TO ten inches
wide. then cut 10 the length they want the
cloth, and sewed together. Various figures are
made in weaving. The colors are handsome
and permanent. Pottery made Of clay IL very
common, and stands thehre well as anyother;
the vessels are Of all sizes, from aquart to twenty
gallons. Hats similar u the American palm
leaf summer hats, are made in various styles
and ere much superior to-the American art-
cle--more durable and fine.
In making clothes the Mandingocs are very
expert to cut and scx Phrts and other kinds
of garments, and in making their caps and
robes.
Wooden spoons Of a neat, fine quality are
also produced and bowls fine and superior,
from a pint TO a half-barrel, neat and cheap
Wooden fish books are made and much used;
large fsh-baskets, an, for catching fish: Many
Of their gree-grecs display much skill in their
manufacture Soap, good and cheap, isabnn,
dant. Jugs, bottles bowls are made, (earthen)
and a multituds of other little things we can
not now mention, very ingenious and skiilful.
The native African, it is TO be understood, is
naturally indolent; and although the various
articles Of labor here mentioned would per-
haps convey the impression that they are an
industrious people, yet the contrary 10 the TACT
What market Is here opened for the sale
of our manufactures Who can rightly calcu-
late the amount Of employment II would AFFORD
the operatives and workmen OF our land TO