LES TISSERANDS DE GBOMIZAMBO

The art of weaving among the Baoule people was traditionally reserved for old fathers and the making of cloth was limited to personal use. However, it has been transmitted from father to son in Bomizambo and in the surrounding weaving villages (about 30 km from Yamoussoukro on the road to Bouaké), to become the main activity of its inhabitants. For it is a real commercial success that goes beyond the region: these loincloths are very famous for the quality of their very fine threads of cotton, silk or polyester, their subtle patterns and their hand weaving. Only the men are taught for 7 years to master this ancestral technique. With their roadside windows, the weavers display their creations everywhere to tempt the tourist who scans through his car window for pieces he might like. There is a sign indicating the cooperative and a market where the choice of loincloths is very large. It would indeed be a shame not to stop and do a little shopping. They are worn by both men and women for all kinds of ceremonies, but the designs and colors differ. Women's loincloths are 90 cm long and consist of 20 woven and assembled strips, while men's are much larger. Don't hesitate to invest in beautiful gifts for yourself and your loved ones, you will encourage these weavers who take several days to make each piece.