Colors and Courage:
Michael Zigani Leatherworks

During Swahili’s April design mission in Burkina Faso, Senegal and Ghana, Leslie was overjoyed to meet a small group of handicapped artisans at an artisan cooperative in Ougadougou. Each artisan faced serious challenges to mobility due to a variety of physical handicaps, but all displayed a combination of courage, warmth and creativity that really hooked our hearts.

Mr. Michael Zigani of Burkina Faso tailors colorful handbags and accessories from dyed leather. Michael works and supports his loving family without use of his body from the waist down, but hardly lets that hold him back from happiness or a productive life. Armed with his hand crutches and a brilliant smile and outlook, Michael takes great pride in the quality of his work.

At Swahili Modern, we are ecstatic when fine craftsmanship and courageous creativity collide, so Michael brings an extra splash of inspiration to this year’s new additions from Burkina Faso. Zigani handbags are now in stock and available at swahilimodern.com.