It’s a victory for Guinean identity and tradition. The Leppi fabric has been officially recognised by the OAPI for its contribution to national identity, granting it protection against counterfeits and preserving its quality.
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"It highlights the work done by our dyers, weavers and other craftsmen. So the Leppi label helps to boost sales," explained craftsman Aliou Diallo.
The label also protects ancestral know-how in this West African nation, especially since counterfeit versions of the beloved fabric have flooded the market, creating unfair competition for local craftsmen.
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Authorities say the protected status will help combat counterfeiting. “We have the opportunity to combat counterfeiting, and this is one of the complaints made by women’s groups,” said Moussa Moise Sylla, Guinea’s minister of culture and crafts. “They are facing Chinese competition on the market.”
Guinea hopes to go even further by getting Leppi added to the UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list.
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