Upcycled Leather Jewelry from Mopti, Mali

Birama Berthe from Mopti, Mali has spent his life dedicated to refining his leatherwork, an artistic heritage passed down from his ancestors. Utilizing recycled leather, cowry shells, glass beads, and silver finishing, Berthe creates bold leather braided necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and bags. Each of his pieces encapsulates the spirit and beauty of Mali.

Located in West Africa, Mali is the eighth-largest country in Africa and is home to a number of Sub-Saharan ethnic groups including the Bambara, Soninké, Khassonké, Malinké, the Fula, Voltaic, Songhai, Tuareg, and Moor. Berthe seeks to represent the people of Mali and their unifying traditions and collective experiences. In Mali, women take pride in their jewelry because of its historical and cultural significance. Berthe wishes to share the pride that comes with wearing the handmade through his upcycled leather pieces. 

A father of two, Berthe has instilled a love of leatherwork in his sons, who he hopes will continue his legacy. Berthe also shares that “participating in [the International Folk Art Market] will make the country of Mali even more visible”, an objective that is close to his heart as a global ambassador.