Some of you missed a real treat this weekend (other than Artscape) in the form of Oumar Cisse, also known to many as Peace Corps Baba. African art and gift shop, Zawadi, hosted him this weekend and, as always he came with a vast array of beautiful Malian necklaces, rings, earrings and bags. Oumar Cisse is the owner of Farafina Tigne – an amazing museum and store of Malian beadwork. Over many years he has built up an a clientele around the world and he regularly travels to many countries promoting the culture of his people – the Fulani, but also of Malian culture in general. This year he, his brother Hamadoun (Simbè) Sankaré and other Malian artisans came to show the work that they have done as part of the exhibit on how the Peace Corps has aided artisans to sell and promote their work abroad. So too has Oumar helped and supported many Peace Corps volunteers in Mali, hence the name they gave him. One thing that occurred to me was how different the idea of adornment is for men in different cultures. It seems that adornment with jewelry is an important aspect of Fulani culture for men and women.
I understand that you can still pick up some of these gorgeous pieces at Zawadi, at 1524 U Street, NW, Washington DC. And check out the Farafina Tigne site, it really is an amazing port into the wonders of Malian adornment and culture.