Bandiagara Shopping

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At the foot of the escarpment is a great place to bargain for carved wooden Dogon artwork. The doors and masks are extremely popular, but don't expect it to be as old as it looks. Dirt and dust cover much of the work, which can be easily cleaned off once back home. However, examine the wood pieces carefully for presence of wood bores. These tiny insects can over time dump wood powder on the floor of your home, and they are not easy to get rid of. Tiny holes in wood are evidence of this pest, and so avoid that piece in favor of another. When cleaning, be careful about using water. Some crude paint used on masks will wash away.

What to buy: The masks and doors are worth much more in the USA or Europe than what you will bargain for them here. But, do bargain. The initial asking price is 3 or 4 times what the real prices should be. It's a good idea to read up on this artwork before arriving in Mali as the value is directly related to authenticity of the work in terms of traditional patterns and colors. Do Not buy the doors in use around Dogon Country! Leave these for other tourists to admire. There is a tendency for traditional doors to be replaced with galvanized sheet metal and other materials of lessor interest.

What to pay: Small masks can be purchased for just a $1, while larger doors will go for several hundred dollars.