Ancient tanneries in Nigeria churn out 'Made in Italy' leather
by editors@theworld.org (Ricci Shryock) from The World: Latest Stories on (#75NBK)
Gucci may call it "Italian leather," but much of the raw materials they use originate in the northern Nigerian city of Kano, where 11 tanneries operate and craftsmen continue their ancient profession. In another part of the city, men sit hunched over 600-year-old dye pits where they mix lavish indigo color into intricately designed fabrics. The leather and dye makers are at the heart of the local economy - but globalization is hurting both crafts. From Kano, reporter Ricci Shryock has the story.