Maison Laadani, the house of traditions of Habi Diabira
Audio 02:54
Habi Diabira, founder of Maison Laadani, Maria Afonso © Cecile Pompeani
By: Maria Afonso
3 mins
Bogolan cushion and plaid, trays, stool from different African countries, chest, Senegalese basket, Habi Diabira offers authentic pieces steeped in history.
With its interior decoration brand, Maison Laadani, Habi Diabira wants to discover the know-how of African craftsmen and share the secret beauties of Africa.
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I spend a considerable amount of time drawing, associating materials and colors.
I think about modifying, reupholstering, so it's creation
Habi Diabira, founder of Maison Laadani
“
Literally Maison Laadani in the Soninké language, it means the House of traditions.
»
Habi Diabira was born and raised in France.
Originally from Mali, she was raised in the Soninke tradition.
As a public health engineer, she worked in this field for ten years and then developed her brand specializing in African-inspired interior decoration Maison Laadani in 2020.
Boubou indigo bedspread © Maison Laadani
House of traditions, contemporary decoration
A brand to raise awareness of African craftsmanship beyond stereotypes, by offering exceptional pieces with a story.
“
The Dogon doors of Mali, myself being Malian, I wondered about the usefulness of these doors.
In the huts in Dogon country, they have granaries with these doors.
On these attics, the bottom of the door represents the world of Man, in the center are represented animals such as crocodiles, turtles, symbol of fertility for the Dogons.
And then a bit like hieroglyphs, the Dogons used to carve on the doors all the animals they found during their various journeys;
finally the top of the doors represents the spiritual world.
Today, it is not easy to find people capable of explaining the details, the symbols. It is therefore a work of research, a way of making these cultures last. I learn things that my parents did not know because oral traditions tend to disappear. But there are always people who (know). You have to meet them, find them. This is the task that I impose on myself with Maison Laadani",
explains Habi Diabira.
Tray © Maison Laadani
African crafts and economic alternative
Habi Diabira's quest for authenticity contributes to the protection of the continent's crafts.
“
It's not always easy to make a living from your crafts and for those who really manage to make a living from their knowledge, it's a way for them to get involved in their country's economy.
An alternative not to cross a certain course and then perhaps the showcase that I force myself to give to its craftsmen can act in this direction.
It's good to see that our products are appreciated, that the brand is well received and for that I feel very grateful,”
concludes Habi Diabira.
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