Shell Island Fadiouth

Fadiouth is an island build entirely of seashells in Senegal. For more than a century its inhabitants have been harvesting molluscs, scooping the meat out and using the empty shells to make their little island. The seashells have accumulated over many years and held together by the roots of mangroves, reeds and giant baobabs.

For more than a century its inhabitants have been harvesting molluscs, scooping the meat out and using the empty shells to make their little island. The seashells have accumulated over many years and held together by the roots of mangroves, reeds and giant baobabs. Heaps of empty shells lie everywhere, on streets and building facades and on trinkets sold by street hawkers.

It is known mainly for its cemetery, which is also made out of shells. The residents of Fadiouth Island are mostly Christian, but they also have a significant Islamic population, and the close-knit community takes immense pride in an atmosphere of religious tolerance.