guaranteed gambian Autumn W inter 2012 - The Travel Foundation

guaranteed gambian 

designs direct from the artist 

Autumn 

Winter 

2012 

Senegambia Hotel Top Shop 

Kombo Beach Hotel Top Shop 

Sheraton Hotel

guaranteed gambian 

designs direct from the artist 

Introduction 

Welcome to the Guaranteed Gambian catalogue; every 

product is guaranteed hand made by a skilled Gambian 

artist / craft-worker, produced in The Gambia with ethical 

working practices and using where possible local materials 

from a sustainable source. New designs have been 

developed in conjunction with European designers to 

create items that are based in African culture but that 

appeal to contemporary western taste. 

Textiles 

All our dyed fabrics are created by Musa Jaiteh one of 

Gambia’s best known and leading dye workers. Musa 

has created stunning fabrics in both traditional tie dye 

and block batik patterns using only natural cola-nut, 

cashew-nut and indigo dyes. When available, Musa also 

uses natural fixing agents however these are not common 

in The Gambia and he may have to resort to chemical 

fixers in order to ensure that your fabrics do not run 

in the wash. 

Fabric samples 

The products in the catalogue illustrate the design; if you 

would prefer a different pattern or colour combinations 

please ask to see alternatives. 

Symbols 

Many of Guaranteed Gambian products make use of 

traditional West African symbols so you may well find 

that as well as a beautiful hand made product you have 

a product with a hidden meaning derived from the myths 

and legends of African culture. Each product comes with 

a label that provides the background to the product and 

tells the story of its design and manufacture. 

Support 

Guaranteed Gambian has received start-up funding from 

the Travel Foundation, a UK based charity funded by 

UK tour operators and from Thomas Cook. The project 

was inspired by the Sandele Showcase at Sandel Eco 

Retreat, Kartong and Sandele continues to provide valuable 

support to the business. 

Our aim is to create a sustainable business model that 

provides a marketplace for skilled craft workers to sell 

their unique products to discerning customers, thus 

providing a vital income stream to workers in one of the 

most impoverished countries in the world. 

Guaranteed Gambian is an ASSET Project supported by the Travel Foundation and Thomas Cook 

Tel: (+220) 7142771 / 9252745: email info@asset-gambia.org, 

www.GuaranteedGambian.com

garments accessories 

With over thirty years experience 

Ebou Seka has established a reputation 

as perhaps Gambia’s leading 

craftsman in working in leather. 

Ebou has collaborated with Guaranteed 

Gambian’s designers to 

create stylish leather bags that 

look good in a range of different 

settings. You will own not just a 

unique skillfully handcrafted accessory 

but a story of your Gambian 

holiday to go with it. 

Gambian “iPad” bag 

The most talked about must have 

accessory, with pockets for mobile 

phone and Kindle as well as the 

iPad. The bag is hand crafted from 

soft leather and lined with cotton 

batik. 

The perfect gift for the techie who 

thought they had everything. 

ID Code - GG-EBS-002 

Ebou’s workshop and market stall 

can be found in the Senegambia 

craft market where you can meet 

him and watch a master craftsman 

at work. 

2-Tone 

This eye catching and elegant bag 

is Ebou’s own design, hand dyed, 

crafted and stitched soft leather 

lined with cotton batik. 

ID Code - GG-EBS-001 

Shoulder bag 

This delightful and practical 

shoulder bag has a hand crafted 

leather handle on a canvas body 

with block batik in indigo by our 

natural dye expert Musa. The 

West African symbol on the bag 

translates as “Wealth”. 

ID Code - GG-EBS-003


Shoulder bag 

These lovely bags are hand made 

from used potato-sacks. Each bag 

tells its own story guaranteed to 

attract attention, a real talking 

point 

ID Code - GG-MAC-003 

Based in the village of Kartong 

the inventive Mudou Camara has 

developed, as far as we know, a 

unique craft technique. 

Mudou un-picks used potato sacks 

for their thread then hand plaits the 

material into strips which he then 

stitches together to create a range 

of unique products. 

Mudou is self-taught, creative, 

highly motivated and determined 

to succeed. Purchase one of his 

products and as well as grabbing 

attention you will be able to boast 

about having a truly unique item 

whilst supporting bright young talent. 

Slippers /Sandals 

These espadrille like sandals were 

Mudou’s original product and they 

are still one of his most impressive 

design ideas. 

Fruit bowls 

ID Code - GG-MAC-001 

While not exactly an accessory 

these delightful bowls have to be 

included as they represent Mudou’s 

latest design venture. 

ID Code - GG-MAC-002


As one of West Africa’s leading 

craftsman in natural tie dye and 

batik Musa Jaiteh has established 

a reputation as one of West Africa’s 

leading craftsman in tie dye 

and batik using natural dyes. 

As well as undoubted technical 

skills Musa is also an artist in his 

own right. Working in his compound 

alongside other talented 

family members Musa creates 

stunning fabric designs using traditional 

tie dye and both painted and 

block batik techniques. 

We are truly privileged to have 

such a creative artist contributing 

to the Guaranteed Gambian collection. 

Shawl / Stole / Scarf 

This stylish selection is skillfully dyed 

in natural indigo using traditional 

tie dye and batik techniques. All 

sizes are approximate. 

Stole 40x80in. 100x200 cm 

ID Code - GG-MUJ-002 

Scarf 12x70in. 30x175 cm 

ID Code - GG-MUJ-003 

Shawl 24x70in. 60x180 cm 

ID Code - GG-MUJ-001


Table runner 

This delightful and eye-catching 

hand painted batik table runner, 

place mat and napkin set has a 

secret message. The pattern is 

based on a traditional West African 

symbol meaning “The future is built 

on the past”. 

Runner :ID Code - GG-MUJ-004 

Placemats :ID Code-GG-MUJ-005 

Napkins :ID Code - GG-MUJ-006 

Musa creates fine fabrics but it 

takes a talented seamstress to 

work them up into stylish garments. 

Amie Puie has many years experience 

working with European 

fashion designers and as well as 

technical skills she has developed 

a designer’s eye for creating 

garments that look as good back 

home as they do round the pool or 

on the beach. 

Full length ruched dress 

ID Code - GG-MAP-001 

Pool / Beach dress 


Dressing gown 

ID Code - GG-MAP-002


Unisex trousers. 

Looking equally good on men 

perfect casual but elegant 

lightweight trousers. 


Batik fabric shoulder bag. 

The West African batik symbol 

represents “Wealth”. 


The majority of artists involved in 

Guaranteed Gambian work in a 

single material or specialise in a 

particular field. Isatou Ceesay is 

one of those rare multi-talented 

individuals who can create stunning 

products across a range of 

materials. 

In addition Isatou works with several 

Gambian women’s groups 

who specialise in using recycled 

materials. 

Full length beach / Pool dress. 

This stylish design ties inside at 

the back providing shape to the 

front and leaving the back to flow. 

An elegant dress to suit all figures 

looks good at home or round the 

pool. 


“Recycled” shoulder bag 

You would never guess to look at 

this delightful shoulder bag that it is 

made from strips of recycled plastic 

bags skillfully woven to create a 

very elegant accessory. 

ID Code - GG-ISY-001


“Recycled” Purse 

Another article made from 

recycled plastic, again this purse 

is a particularly modern design 

guaranteed to attract attention. 

ID Code - GG-ISY-002 

“Rice” Shopping bag 

This attractive and beautifully put 

together shopping bag is made 

from recycled rice bags and lined 

with block print cotton batik with the 

West African symbol for “Wealth”. 


“Rice” Workbag 

Using the same techniques as the 

shopping bag this workbag provides 

perfect storage for your own craft 

activities. 

Unique compact, practical, wellmade, 

attractive, ethically produced 

and sustainable - what more could 

you ask for? 


“Charm” Soap 

These hand made soaps while not 

exactly an “accessory” they do show 

something of the range of materials 

that Isouto and her women’s groups 

can work with. 

The soaps are moulded into 

traditional West African symbols; 

choose from “Wealth”, “Good Luck” 

or “United Hearts”. The soaps are 

packaged in a batik handkerchief 

printed with the same symbols. 

Wealth: ID Code - GG-ISY-005 

Good Luck: ID Code - GG-ISY-006 

U. Hearts: ID Code - GG-ISY-007

Jewellery 

Pendant “Charms” 

Ebrima has hand crafted these solid silver charms exclusively for Guaranteed 

Gambian. Each design is based on a traditional West African symbol. The charms are 

approximately 25mm high and each comes with a silver chain. 

Pendant - Power: ID Code - GG-EBM-001 

Pendant - Good Luck: ID Code - GG-EBM-002 

Pendant - Bravery: ID Code - GG-EBM-003 

Pendant - United Hearts: ID Code - GG-EBM-004 

Pendant - The Future is Built on the Past: ID Code - GG-EBM-005 

Unlike many craftsmen in the 

Gambia Ebrima Mbow had a previous 

career in the civil service but 

for the last ten years he has established 

himself as one of Gambia’s 

premier silversmiths. 

Not only is Ebrima an expert 

craftsman but he is also highly innovative 

and is constantly experimenting 

with new techniques and 

designs. 

“The Future 

is Built on the 

Past” 

“United Hearts” 

You can visit Ebrima at his workshop 

at the bottom of the steps of 

the National Museum in Banjul. 

“Good Luck” 

“Bravery” 

“Power” 

Bracelet “Charms” 

Similar to the larger charms these smaller versions, all hand crafted, are 

suitable for charm bracelets. Each charm is approximately 10 mm high. 

Charm - Power: ID Code - GG-EBM-006 

Charm - Good Luck: ID Code - GG-EBM-007 

Charm - Bravery: ID Code - GG-EBM-008 

Charm - United Hearts: ID Code - GG-EBM-009 

Charm- The Future is Built on the Past: ID Code - GG-EBM-010

Jewellery 

There are few employment opportunities 

for young Gambians and 

it takes a strong entrepreneurial 

spirt allied to considerable skill and 

commitment to make a go of your 

own small business. This though 

sums up Budou Darboe, who left 

school early to try and make a living 

for himself from jewellery. 

Working with Guaranteed Gambian 

designers, Budou is constantly 

developing ways to combine the 

natural Gambian seeds and woods 

into stylish fashion items. Budou 

is based at Kartong and you can 

meet him and see him at work at 

the Sandele craft workshop. 

Bamboo & black bead necklace 

ID Code - GG-BUD-003 

Large bead necklace 


Seed black & white necklace 


Black and white seed 

Made from local seeds threaded 

alongside glass beads, an elegant and 

eye catching set. 

Necklace: ID Code - GG-BUD-001 

Bracelet: ID Code - GG-BUD-002 

Bamboo glass bead bracelet 

ID Code - GG-BUD-006

Jewellery 

Multistrand bamboo/bead 



Long seed 

Necklace ID Code - GG-BUD-009 


Another enterprising and talented 

jeweller from Kartong Village is 

Musa Fatty. Like Budou, Musa 

has worked hard to create a range 

of pieces that reflect the natural 

resources of the Gambia and combine 

them to create enticing pieces 

you just have to touch and try on. 

Musa too works at the Sandele 

craft workshop where you can 

meet him and watch him at work. 

Pink fishbone and bead 



Green multi-strand glass bead 

necklace 

ID Code - GG-BUD-011

Jewellery 

“Julbrew” 

They don’t come much more 

Gambian than this!. This paper 

jewellery is made from the labels 

from Gambia’s best (and only) brand 

of beer. Beautifully made they are a 

guaranteed attention grabber. 

Necklace approximately 14 inches in 

length. 

“Malta” 

Necklace: ID Code - GG-MUF-003 

Bracelet: ID Code - GG-MUF-004 

Triple fish-bone Bracelet 

Delightful and unique bracelet 

made up of three bands of recycled 

plastic wrapped in black thread and 

interwoven with fish-bone beads. 

ID Code - GG-MUF-009 



Fish-bone bracelet 


“Fruit Cocktail” 



“Vimto” 



Cowrie bracelet 

ID Code - GG-MUF-011

Jewellery 

White glass bead Necklace 

Dramatic multi-strand white glass 

beads highlighted with black glass 

beads and polished wooden beads. 

Approximately 16 inches in length. 


Wood, bead and seed necklace 

Simple but effective combination of small 

wooden beads and hard indigenous 

tree seeds that are very tricky to find. 

Approximately 16 inches in length. 


Bamboo and seed necklace 

Simple but effective combination of 

bamboo tubes and hard indigenous 

tree seeds. Approximately 14 inches 

in length. 


Wood and fishbone necklace 

Simple but effective combination 

of polished wood, black glass and 

fish-bone beads. Approximately 14 

inches in length. 


Wood, bead and seed bracelet 


Ice blue bead bracelet 

Delightfully simple but effective ice blue 

and white, eye catching bead bracelet 

ID Code - GG-MUF-017

homeware gifts 

Occasionally you come across 

someone whose skill and inherent 

creativity never fail to surprise 

and delight. Mohammed Camara 

speaks only broken English but 

he communicates most eloquently 

through his work. 

Mohammed’s ability is not limited 

to one medium or material, producing 

technically intricate woven musical 

instruments, fine carved wall 

plaques and the most exquisite 

calabash bowls. Meet Mohamed at 

the Sandele craft workshop. 

Calabash and leather bowl 

These superb calabash bowls are 

interlaced with leather creating a 

different pattern inside and out. 

Approximately 12 inches, 30cm 

diameter. 

ID Code - GG-MUC-002 

Carved calabash bowl 

These stunning carved calabash 

bowls are simply exquisite, carefully 

carved with a pattern based on 

the tiled floor of “Queen’s House”, 

Greenwich, England. Approximately 

12 inches, 30cm diameter. 


Calabash wall plaques 

Fish: ID Code - GG-MUC-004 

Bird: ID Code - GG-MUC-005 

“Talking drums” 

Delightful, attractive version of 

castanets in an African style. 

Created by weaving thread around 

reeds on a calabash base and filled 

with seeds. 


Calabash rattle 

What it lacks in subtlety it more than 

makes up for in volume, a modern 

day football rattle, great fun and 

very loud. 

ID Code - GG-MUC-006


Two young prize winning artists 

Peter Sambou and Louis Gomez 

have been collaborating since 

primary school, the multi-talented 

partnership can turn their hand 

to design work in two and three 

dimensions. 

Their initial project for Guaranteed 

Gambian is this set of delightful 

glove puppets, but we are convinced 

with such latent talent this 

is just the start! 

Glove puppets 

Great gifts for children, designed 

and screen printed by two of 

Gambia’s most gifted up and 

coming young artists. 

Hippo: ID Code - GG-PAL-001 

Elepht.: ID Code - GG-PAL-002 

Croc.: ID Code - GG-PAL-003 

Snake: ID Code - GG-PAL-004


Many small businesses in the 

Gambia are based around the family 

and few can be more talented 

than the Batik art business headed 

by Bouba Camara. 

Bouba brings his traditional African 

designs to life for Guaranteed 

Gambian through a charming set 

of kites and matching glove puppets. 

Far too good to be stored away 

you will want to find a place to display 

these superb original decorative 

pieces. 

Batik Kites 

These quite stunning kites are 

individually hand made. Superb as 

a decorative item or the classiest 

kite on the block. Approximately 30 

inches tip to tail. 

Orange: ID Code - GG-BOC-001 

Red: ID Code - GG-BOC-002 

Yellow: ID Code - GG-BOC-003 

Purple: ID Code - GG-BOC-004 

Batik Glove puppets 

Green: ID Code - GG-BOC-005 

Blue: ID Code - GG-BOC-006 

Yellow: ID Code - GG-BOC-007 

Purple: ID Code - GG-BOC-008


Woodcarving is a traditional craft 

skill in The Gambia and Guaranteed 

Gambian is fortunate to work 

with one of its finest exponents, Pa 

Sowe. 

Pa has an established business 

and you will see why when you examine 

his work; characterised by 

high levels of skill and quality finish 

Pa has worked with Guaranteed 

Gambian to develop unique pieces 

that reflect the culture and history 

of West Africa. Contemporary 

designs that will grace any style of 

home decor. 

Pa Sowe is involved in a tree 

planting scheme to ensure sustainable 

supplies continue into the 

next generation. 

Mask box 

Approximately 8 by 4 inches. 

ID Code - GG-PAS-001 

Fetish figurine 

Approximately 8 inches high 

ID Code - GG-PAS-002

Guaranteed Gambian is an ASSET Project supported by the Travel Foundation and Thomas Cook 

Tel: (+220) 7142771 / 9252745: email info@asset-gambia.org 

www.GuaranteedGambian.com

guaranteed gambian Autumn W inter 2012 - The Travel Foundation

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