Legacy: Jewelry Techniques of West Africa (English and Spanish Edition)

"In Africa, when an elder dies, it's like a library burning". Legacy is a story of the jewelry, tools, traditions and techniques of the West African jeweler. It is also, perhaps mostly, about the people. Legacy brings us into the studios and lives of jewelers, who for generations, have passed on their knowledge of jewelry making techniques: filigree, forging, casting, chain making, wire work, finishing, engraving, etc. Creating with little more than an anvil, homemade hammers and chisels, a charcoal fire, and a pair of pliers; the people of West Africa create intricate, beautiful jewelry.Matthieu Cheminée is a metalsmith (among other things) so, understandably, this book is written with the jeweler in mind (but not only for the jeweler). Being a jeweler myself, I appreciate seeing what goes into the creation of a piece of jewelry. I learned quite a few new techniques and discovered some new tool ideas while reading Legacy. One of my favorite techniques, because of its surprising simplicity, was the practice of holding the draw plate, (when pulling wire) with your feet. I also liked the touine n'tchira (anvil pin) and wondered why I had never thought of that before.My only complaint: some of the technical information is lacking. I tried to make two chains and spent quite a bit of time trying out different methods and wire gauges before I achieved, what I can only assume, was success. A few more photos and a bit more information on metal thicknesses and mandrel sizes would have helped.It was a pleasure to share some time with the jewelers of West Africa. I learned a lot and met quite a few nice people. Thanks Matthieu.Check out the Toolbox Initiative: "The Toolbox Initiative is a volunteer effort created by jewelers Matthieu Cheminée and Tim McCreight in 2014. The goal is to assist jewelers with limited resources through the collective strength of the metalworking community and to create new connections worldwide."

The jewellers profiled here create amazing work without any of the easy access to tools that western jewellers take for granted. Rather than buying processed and purified wax for lost wax casting, a flex shaft, or even a file, these artists make their own from whatever is available.Their ingenuity is amazing and humbling for those of us who consider a Dremel rather than a Foredom flex shaft to be roughing it.While the artists here use everything available, including repurposed parts of cars, bicycles, and agricultural equipment, the way that they approach their work without electricity, modern materials such as buffing compounds, or artificial lighting also provide insights into how pre-modern western jewellers worked.The detailed description of the artists' backgrounds, how they collaborate, and their daily lives will also interest readers with an interest in contemporary anthropology; while it's not as exhaustively detailed as a purely anthropological study would be, the author still tried to convey as much as he could about the artists.Recommended to anyone interested in jewelry making and makers or in West African arts.

I love that Matthieu is honoring and highlighting the traditional metalsmiths and jewelry community of West Africa! I had the honor to live in there 2003-2009 and can attest to the quality of workmanship and the pride jewelers take in the beauty of their productions and craftsmanship. The communal sharing of techniques and wisdom they share is without restriction. And as noted in the book, they will remember you! Great homage, beautiful photos and wealth of knowledge in Legacy. Thank you for preserving it!

I really feel inspired by this journey and the creative brotherhood that true artists in this tale share. I would love to see a picture gallery of the finished pieces, but the nature of the way the book is written, and the distances between people and pieces, most likely did now allow for viewing finished pieces. No matter, if you want to connect to an ancient art form, you will appreciate this book. Well done

This is an absolutely beautiful book, full of fine photos and humbling examples of third world artisans working with " found" materials and handmade tools. It is so inspiring to see the beautiful creations these artists make with the simplest and most elegant hand made tools. Their" studios" consist of very few tools and objects. Their patience is their strength. What a huge difference from the way things are done in modern countries. This is one of my all time favorite books in my collections. As a metalsmith myself, I highly reccomend this book. This is not a " how to" book for the student or casual jewelry maker. This is a treatise on historical and primitive metalsmithing practices, and a look into the modern day practices of highly inventive and creative African artisans as they craft tools and traditional articles of jewelry.

I am interested in primitive tools for making jewelry. The work shown in this book is amazing. Also, the printing was very high-quality.

Back to basics! Simple tools made from what is avaiable and techniques that everybody connectted with jewelry/silversmithing/goldsmithing should know. I got what i was looking for and what i expected. To make beatiful jewelry you don`t need every piece of tool sold at high prices from big shops even though they are made in Korea, India, China etc. With very few tools you are able to make a lot of beatiful jewelry, if you know the basic techniques. It is all about learning the basics. And they have not chang for thousands of years and you only need basic tools if you have these techniques. This is what this amazing book tells.

Worth the orice

I love everything about this book. I had the chance to take a stamp making class with Matthieu and this book is literally the class curriculum with beautiful pictures. Very well explained. A MUST HAVE BOOK!Thank you Matthieu for your generosity!

Legacy: Jewelry Techniques of West Africa has just arrived at my front door and I can't wait to unwrap its contents. Thanks to Gary White from Brickyard Books in Falmouth, Maine for your speedy delivery!