Libya: Ghadames – Shoemaking

In the UNESCO-listed Ghadames, there are many craft shops that preserve ancient traditions and Berber culture, like shoemaking, reflect the town’s history as a crossroads of trade and culture in the Sahara. We visited a shoemaking shop and saw the master at work, crafting superbly-colorful leather slippers and shoes. The vibrant designs incorporate motifs that have symbolic meaning, such as protection or prosperity, and the use of bright colors and intricate patterns aligns with the aesthetic of Tuareg and Berber communities in the region.