🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Koko Dunda fabric transforms from symbol of poverty to national pride in Burkina Faso
via Lefaso.net7 min read
The Koko Dunda fabric, once associated with poverty and low status in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, has undergone a significant transformation, becoming a symbol of national pride and a driver of economic and cultural development. A study by Father Basile Paré at the Catholic University of West Africa in Bobo-Dioulasso highlights this metamorphosis, detailing how the fabric, traditionally produced in the Tounouma district, has revitalized artisanal trades, created economic opportunities, and strengthened Burkinabè cultural identity. Historically, the Koko Dunda was inexpensive and worn by the most modest households, earning it the Dioula nickname "Tié ti barala," meaning "my husband does not work." However, less than a decade later, it is now worn by ministers, artists, entrepreneurs, and students, featured in official ceremonies, weddings, and national celebrations. Its resurgence began around 2016, largely attributed to Burkinabè stylist Sébastien Bazémo, whose contemporary designs elevated the fabric's image. In 2021, the Burkinabè state officially labeled Koko Dunda as national heritage, further boosting its recognition. Father Paré's qualitative study involved interviews with sixteen stakeholders in the Koko Dunda sector, including dyers, tailors, and vendors in Tounouma. The research revealed that artisans have become more creative, innovating with colors and patterns to meet diverse customer demands. The focus on quality has intensified, with over two hundred registere
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