*Due to health concerns, the program will not be offered winter 2015

Purchase College, SUNY conducts a three-week winter program in Benin, West Africa. Students will work with a variety of West African artisans to build their own, functional forge out of readily available materials (mud, sticks, and animal hide), and will learn how to use this forge to fashion their own tools and sculptures. They will also participate in a number of cultural and historical workshops and field trips to give them a well-rounded understanding of the historical and cultural context of West Africa. Students spend winter holidays at home in the US, and then head to Africa to celebrate the New Year and begin their workshops!