An original study of remote villages in seven West Africa countries by two accomplished architects, and a celebration the artisanship of tribal people who use building methods that are both practical and ingenious.

Art, and especially architecture, are often seen as the exclusive realm of formally trained experts. Authors and award-winning architects Steven and Cathi House explore the other side of that reality in a part of the world that has been at the crossroads of history for thousands of years.

With more than 500 photographs and insightful commentary, they reveal the remarkable beauty of the people, land, villages, textiles, and vernacular architecture across seven countries of West Africa, situated between the Sahara Desert and Atlantic Ocean. The book celebrates the artisanship of tribal people who use building methods that are both practical and ingenious and that respond not just to local climate, materials, and topography, but also to the needs of the inhabitants with poetic insight, creating environments that are stimulating and sustainable.

With their clarity, function, and beauty, these villages are living models of what community life can be.By Steven House and Cathi HouseAward-winning architects Steven and Cathi House have traveled to more than sixty countries documenting indigenous cultures. Their work has been exhibited widely and featured in national and international publications. Cathi and Steven House are prolific architects who split their time between San Francisco and San Miguel. The twohave traveled to more than 60 countries documenting Indigenous cultures, and Steven’s photographs regularly win national awards.512 color and b/w imagesAn Intimate Journey across Time512 color and b/w images