AYOUB Posted May 4, 2004 by Yvette Lopez This is Saleqa, I met her months ago during my visit at Mohamed Mogue village, a resettlement area for returnees. She is one of the leaders of UMMO, a small umbrella organization of women in that village. Women's groups in Somaliland usually produces Somali traditional products, camel wood carvings, camel bells of different sizes and woven straws originally used for Somali houses. The photo above was taken at Egal International Airport in Hargeisa, before I left a month ago. I was surprised to see her smiling face as I enter the airport. So I sat down with her for a little while and was told that Airport authorities allowed them to sell their products at the airport vicinity. I hope to see her again when I return a few days from now, inshaallah. Camels, camels and camels... Somali camel milk jars, drinking cups, spoons and combs. The containers at the back wrapped in white cloth are typical Somali wedding gifts. Inside are preserved sweet meat, these are carefully wrapped and tied by women. I was told that tradition dictates that men should struggle to untie these jars because it symbolizes the bride's virginity. The igloo-like structures at the back of the signboard are nomad's houses. Originally made of dried grass and hand made by Somali women, they weave and build the house, when it's time to move to another place, women also do the dismantling. Intifac, is a member organization of UMMO, in one of my visits, they allowed me to join them in weaving. Like stories and tales in this oral society, skills in weaving are passed from one generation to another. So if you happen to see these products somewhere, keep in mind that they were intricately made by women's hands. Posted by Yvette Lopez at 04:43 AM -------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AYOUB Posted May 4, 2004 Here are some more pictures from TAWAKAL LIFELINE. A set of learning tablets for teaching the Koran(Islamic scripture) woman pouring camel milk from a jug made by herself tawakal lifeline Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WingA Posted May 4, 2004 thanks for sharing your photos bruv.. it brings back memories.. salaams.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
