On the 11th Day of Christmas… Introducing Tigidankay AKA Tigi. Tigis story is one that never ceases to leave me or anyone I tell in awe. She epitomises what it is to be an entrepreneur & an artist, she is a woman who never gives up and a humbling example of what a mother will do to look after her children. Gara Cloth dying is a traditional art from Sierra Leone. A form of tie dying using locally produced Indigo, it is used as a national dress and worn for every special occasion. Tigi is Gara dying royalty - the most revered Gara Cloth comes not only from her home village but was made by her family. Her craft has been passed down from generation to generation in her family and is integral to the Sierra Leonian culture. Tigis mother taught her to dye and passed on her skills with the wisdom that one day this will get you out of trouble. It did. Tigi and her family enjoyed a good life until the war hit her homeland and her husband was killed. Tigis oldest soon was away with relatives and Tigi was forced to flee with 7 of her 8 children to neighbouring Guinea. After a few weeks in a refugee camp Tigi packed up her children and took them into the city to keep them safe from the disease & unrest. She had no money, no food, did not know this culture or speak the language.. she had her 7 children and just a few clothes. Someone from an embassy offered to buy Tigi a drink - she said no but asked for the money instead. With this she bought some dye and having observed the local fashions proceeded to dye her own clothes in this new way. People started commenting on them and she offered to dye theirs….in this way Tigi supported her family and kept them safe for three years until they were offered a new home in Australia. If you would like to hear from Tigi herself she is one of the ladies interviewed in our video which you can view on our homepage @ globalsisters.org **Christmas gifts? Theres still time! Hand dyed traditional Gara Cloth Indigo cushion covers made with generations of skill and love. Every piece is a unique work of art. 18x18 Cotton twill RRP $70 (includes postage) If you would like to purchase one or two or even three Tigi would love to hear from you. Please email her at [email protected] *We would LOVE you to help spread the word and assist us to support Tigi and other women entrepreneurs by SHARING this post and telling people about Global Sisters. Wishing you a happy, peaceful festive season full of love x Product photos by Markus Summerer
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 22:14:21 +0000
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