The SIAO Rising Sun Pavilion houses several country stands including those of Togo and Algeria. The art objects as well as the clothing and food products exhibited by the artisans of these two countries are the expression of their cultural and artistic identities. According to the head of the Togo delegation, Lémagué M’Ba Barandao, Togo is represented at this edition of the SIAO by around fifty artisans.
According to him, the works of art and various other products displayed at Togo’s official stand are samples collected from the country’s artisans with a view to promoting them. “We have a diversity of cosmetic, food and clothing items. This
are, among others, wallets, hats, bags, leather shoes, pearl jewelry, soaps made from natural ingredients, dishes, wooden forks, tinted loincloths from Togo, outfits made by our stylists, leather shoes, teas made from ginger spices, cocoa powder,” she listed.
Algeria, absent from the SIAO since 2019, is back. She honored this 17th edition with her presence with a delegation of 5 artisans. The head of the Algerian delegation, ITHRI Bouteba, indicated that the advent of the coronavirus had affected his country’s participation in this craft festival. “This year, we brought different types of local products,” he said, citing olive oil, dried figs, copper, dates and its derivatives (jams, chocolates, coffee). based on dates), ceramics, jewelry made from coral as well as traditional Algerian clothing.
Adam SAWADOGO