Guinea Protects Traditional Leppi Fabric Craft with Geographical Indication

The Ancestral Art of Leppi Fabric

• 🧶 In Coya, Guinea, the ancestral art of Leppi fabric is being kept alive through a meticulous, traditional process.
• 🧵 The craft involves careful selection of threads, winding them onto spools, weaving using traditional techniques, and dyeing with indigo or black.
• 📏 Each piece of fabric is 1.2 meters wide, handmade with fine cotton thread, and dyed, before being passed on to vendors.

Protecting Authenticity and Quality

• 🏷️ The Leppi label has received a protected geographical indication from the African Intellectual Property Organization.
• ✅ This label guarantees the authenticity and quality of the fabric, highlighting the work of local artisans.
• 📈 It is expected to boost sales by protecting the ancestral know-how and providing a guarantee of quality.

Combating Counterfeiting and Competition

• 🚫 In recent years, counterfeit versions of Leppi fabric have flooded the market, creating unfair competition for local craftsmen.
• 🇨🇳 Authorities aim to combat this issue, with women's groups specifically citing Chinese competition on the market with counterfeit fabrics.
• 🌍 Guinea is also seeking to add Leppi to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage to further recognize its value.