“The small country of Burkina Faso near the border to Ghana may not have many resources or economic wealth, but with the plentiful raw materials available the Kassena people make some of the most culturally rich and architecturally beautiful villages, such as this one in tiébélé, built using traditional gurunsi vernacular. The dwellings occupy a community of just over one hectare in area, and are made of a sun-dried mix of clay, soil, straw and cow droppings moistened to a perfect mortar, mixed by foot to create strong pottery-like structures. These techniques actually preceded the well known mud-brick constructions of indigenous peoples in the area. Layer upon layer are added when needed, maintaining the necessary wall thickness to withstand rainstorms and extreme temperatures. Short walls are used as urban landscaping elements, provide a buttressing support, and offer supplementary places to sit or work. The most amazing feature, however, is the intricate ornamentation that covers almost every square inch of the dwellings, painted with colored mud and chalk that tell an expressive story of the ancient tribe’s culture.”
Lots more great photos at the source: Design Boom.com
Hello to everyone,
My name Is Pietro Mangarella and I am and art work conservator, specialized in architectural and archaeological site conservation.
Throughout my work experience I partecipated also in few conservation Projects in the South West of the USA, heald by Upenn, Univ. Vermont, NPS and USGS, that hired me as Specialist Scholar. Most of the programs I was involved in, was focused in the four corners area, where four states bounds forming a cross lines , Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona. In this area, around the year 800 undred through the year 1200 ad, there was a people called Anasazi, Who used to build with earthen materials, bricks and plaster, all made of clay that was dried out under the sun.This materiali was called later on “Adobe” and, unfotunately It disappeared along with this population, suddenly around the year 1200/1300 ad.
I have written this few Lines Just to let everybody know that I’d like to get in touch with people or organizations that can help me to gond the way of working in these beautyful Sites, where I could help in conserving the beauty and the historic texture of these Sites.
My email address Is : pietro.mangarella@libero.it
Cell. +39 349 388 7377
I look forward to hearing from you.
Pietro Mangarella