Bouswari

This collection is inspired by the African ethnic group, Baoulé. The Baoulé are an Akan people and one of the largest groups in Côte d'Ivoire. Legend goes that in the 17th century the Baoulé left present day Ghana and traveled west into present day Côte d'Ivoire under the lead of the Queen Pokou. According to oral tradition, the Baoulé were forced to leave Ghana when the Ashanti rose to power. While they were fleeing for their lives they came to the Komoe river, which they were unable to cross. With their enemies chasing them, they began to sacrifice their most prized possessions by throwing them into the river. It came to the Queen's attention that their most valuable possession was her son. The Queen realized what she needed to do; and sacrificed her son to the river. Upon doing so, hippopotami rose from the river, allowing them to cross and saving their lives. Despite leading her tribe to safety, the Queen’s deep loss led her to sorrow. Her only word was “baoli” – the child is dead. From that point, the group lived on as the Baoulé.