Cotonou,
Arts & Crafts
Cloth
Arts & Crafts
Cloth
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Cotonou,
Arts & Crafts Cloth |
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| Name:
Dôri
Nali Women's Group Craft : Fabric Design and Tailoring Location : Natitingou Contact Information: B.P. 109, Natitingou, Bénin. |
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Dôri Nali, which means "union makes us strong" in the local Nateni language, is a group of women committed to working together to achieve success. The group is made up of seven permanent members who have worked together since 1998, each bringing different skills and expertise to the group, from fabric design, tailoring, and weaving to management and accounting. Dôri Nali uses 60% local cloth, woven in Parakou from cotton grown in the Borgou and Atacora departments of Benin. Cloth dying is their most remarkable craft; they use the batik and shiboris techniques, which are of Asian origin, to apply vibrant colors and striking patterns to their fabrics by hand. You can purchase the dyed fabric, or you can have it custom-tailored by Dôri Nali and made into a local outfit or one of your favorite styles from home. In addition to clothing, the women of Dôri Nali make a variety of other products: tablecloths, handbags, and more.
| 1) Marine Print (4 meters) |
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Price: 11.000 CFA
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| 2) Bazin Cloth (5 yards) |
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Price: 11.500 CFA
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| 3) Aqua Print (4 meters) |
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Price: 9.000 CFA
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| 4) Tam-Tam Print (4 meters) |
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Price: 9.500 CFA
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| 5) Robette |
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Price: 5.000 CFA
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| 6) Bubous and Dresses |
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Price: 6.000 CFA
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| 7) Tablecloths |
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Price: 9.000 CFA
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Time to complete: 2 days
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Name: Aux Beaux Arts
Craft: Calebasse Lamps and Sculpture
Location: Grand Popo
Contact Information: B.P. 67, Grand Popo, Benin Tel.: +229-43-00-97
Kwami Sedzro, the owner and head craftsman of "Aux Beaux Arts," makes lamps and other crafts from calebasse, a local gourd with endless traditional uses and cultural significance. Hollowed calebasse is used by many Beninese to make plates, bowls, and washing basins; it is often referred to as "God's plate." It is also used in traditional ceremonies to hold holy water or herbs, as well as to make a variety of musical instruments. Mr. Sedzro, who is originally from Togo, began making hand-painted lamps out of the hollowed gourds in 1990. The lamps come in a variety of sizes and designs and can be custom-ordered as well. In addition to lamps, many other crafts are sold at "Aux Beaux Arts," from wood and clay sculptures to black pearl jewelry.
1) Nature Lamp
A double lamp with a light bulb in the base as well as the shade. Hand-painted design of local animals and leaves promotes environmental protection.
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Price: 70.000 CFA
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2) Aquarium Lamp
A mood lamp composed of a single gourd that fully encloses the bulb, producing a dim, tranquil light. Hand-painted tropical fish design represents local marine environment.
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Price: 25.000 CFA
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3) Gazelle Lamp
Hand-painted base represents the gazelle, commonly found in the northern regions of Benin and Togo.
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Price: 30.000 CFA
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4) Tropical Leaf Lamp
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Price: 18.000 CFA
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5) Panther Lamp
Hand-painted base represents the panther, found in the North of Benin.
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Price: 25.000 CFA
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6) African Drummer
Lamp Hand-painted base depicts drummers playing tambour drums typical in traditional ceremonies throughout Benin.
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Price: 20.000 CFA
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7) Macramé Lamp
Base hand-carved from acacia wood commonly found in Benin and Togo; decorated with ebony and ivory. Handmade macramé shade is 100% cotton.
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Price: 30.000 CFA
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8) Jewelry Box
Set Small gourds are hollowed and hand-painted and can be used as jewelry boxes or other containers. Many other sizes and set combinations available.
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Price: 2.000-5.000 CFA per gourd
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9) Gazelle Light
Cover Hand-painted light covers can be made in various sizes and are easy to hang. Adds color and life to any room.
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Price: 10.000 CFA (minimum)
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Time to complete: 2 days
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