Aïssata Namoko Coopérative Djiguiyaso Textiles

Women’s Empowerment

Master textile artisan Aïssata

Namoko of Mali first learned to sew from her mother, an accomplished seamstress, as an eight-year-old child. In 2004 Namoko started the Djiguiyaso Cooperative, with the aim of creating a skilled female workforce. The cooperative uses indigo in gorgeous patterns across various items, including loosely draped, meticulously sewn tunics and gowns, as well as cushions, place mats and bed coverings.

Mohamed El Mahouloud Ag Hamid | Association Timidwa Jewelry

Northern Mali artist collective Timidwa, comprising 150 artisans from different ethnicities and professions, was founded with the mission of bringing together people with common creative goals. Members make some of the finest and most breathtaking artwork imaginable, including goat leather items and silver jewelry with bold segments of polished, semiprecious stones.