Mmma Social
New Blood Art Commentary
Mmaa is a collection of beautiful, handcrafted baskets and bags with a decidedly social mission aimed at empowering women and promoting African artisans. Mmaa means mother in the local dialect and is a brand that is for women by women.
No commission is taken by NewBloodArt on the sale of these baskets.
Artist Statement
We believe that the ultimate luxury is knowing the provenance and meaning of these baskets. The artisans, part of Women’s Collectives on the border of Ghana and Burkina Faso, take two to three days to hand weave each piece. Not only do the baskets reflect generations of traditional handicraft, they also provide income and financial independence for rural women in a context where employment is scarce and most women engage in unpaid labour in the home or on family farms. The Collectives include 429 women and provide a supportive network whereby members have access to financial literacy training, sexual and reproductive health education and business support programs. The weavers are changing their own lives, their families’ futures and their broader communities through their incredible talent.
For every bag or basket that is purchased, a girl or young woman will receive a reusable sanitary kit that lasts up to three years.