You’ve probably heard the phrase “walking on eggshells.”
That one time you had to deal with a moody boss or navigate a sensitive topic without triggering drama. We’ve all been there.
But in one part of Africa, people take that phrase a bit more literally.
Not with eggshells, though. With clamshells.
Yes, actual clamshells, the kind found in the sea.
A Village on Shells
On Senegal’s Petite Côte, a string of fishing villages dot the shoreline. Places like Toubab Dialaw, Palmarin, Djiffer, and Joal-Fadiouth.
But one stands out, Joal-Fadiouth.
It is a town of two parts. Joal is on the mainland, and Fadiouth, the more peculiar half, sits on an island just across a wooden bridge. You can only cross it on foot.
And once you do, don’t expect the ground beneath your feet to feel like regular soil. In Fadiouth, the streets, the paths, even the island itself, are made of seashells. Billions of them.
For centuries, locals harvested shellfish from the surrounding waters. They would eat the meat and toss the shells aside.
Over time, those discarded shells piled up. Layer by layer, they became the very ground people walk on. Mangrove roots and baobab trees helped hold it all together.
With every step, there is a soft crunch beneath your feet. The sound of history.
Image 1: Island of Shells. Courtesy: Afrinik
Faith, Peace, and Clamshells
The island is home to the Serer people, with roots going back before the 16th century, and the Guelowar from the Kaabu Empire, who joined later on.
About 90% of the people here are Catholic. The rest are Muslim. But you wouldn’t know who’s who by looking. They all live as one. Neighbours, friends, even family, across religions.
You’ll find a church and a mosque standing proudly in the same village. During religious festivals, fundraising drives, or community events, everyone chips in. Faith brings people together, not apart.
And it’s not new. Back in the day, when some Jews considered settling in the region, the message was simple. Come practice your faith and trade in peace. That spirit still lives on in Fadiouth.
Image 2: Shell Island of Joal-Fadhoui
A Cemetery Like No Other
Visitors often come to witness the shell-covered streets, but they leave talking about the cemetery.
It sits on its own little island, also made entirely of shells. Graves for both Muslims and Christians lie side by side, shaded by trees. No fences. No divisions. Just peace.
And even in death, the shells are there. They cover the paths, decorate the graves, and tell a quiet story of unity.
So, even after walking on ‘eggshells’ their whole life, members of Joal-Fadiouth lie on ‘eggshells’ for the rest of their lives, and they’re perfectly happy about it.
Image 3: Fadiouth’s cemetery is a testament to the village’s religious tolerance. Courtesy: Alexandra Yingst
Plan Your Trip
There are no cars. No motorbikes. Just walking. Just the soft crackling of shells beneath your sandals as you take in the scenery and soak up the stillness.
Some of the shells have even been used to build homes, churches, mosques, and roads. It is a reminder of how resourcefulness and culture can blend into something beautiful.
Image 4: The walls with clam shells as part of their architecture. Courtesy: Amusing Planet.
So if you ever find yourself in Senegal, make time for Joal-Fadiouth.
Go walk on clamshells.
Literally.
Have a clam-tastic week ahead!
🗣️Language Spotlight:Blin Language
In the highlands of Eritrea, near the town of Keren, there is a community that speaks Blin (also known as Bilin or Bilen), a language that belongs to the Central Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family. Approximately 90,000 people use this language.
For those interested in exploring Blin, Daberi.org offers a wealth of resources dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Blin language and culture. The platform provides historical texts, studies on orthography, and cultural insights, making it a valuable resource for linguists, researchers, and anyone passionate about African languages.
Interestingly, the Blin language has experienced significant changes in its writing system. Initially written in the Geʽez script, there have been efforts to adapt the Latin alphabet to better represent Blin phonetics. These initiatives aim to make the language more accessible and to encourage its continued use among younger generations.
🧵 Special Mention: A Bata Case Study
Curious about how a business can thrive for so long in Africa? A Bata Case Study on Entrepreneurship and What It Takes explores the enduring success of Bata, offering key takeaways for entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts.
This insightful piece delves into the journey of Bata, a company that has become synonymous with footwear in many African households. It explores the challenges faced, strategies employed, and the unwavering spirit that propelled Bata to success in a competitive market.
For anyone interested in the dynamics of entrepreneurship within the African context, this case study offers valuable lessons and inspiration.
Picture gallery of the Island of Shells 👇
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