Mamas

Vibrant watercolor illustrations capture the beauty and color of Mamas’ daily routines in this touching tribute to mothers in Ethiopia and beyond. Most of the illustrations were inspired by photographs taken in the Harari region of Ethiopia. The historic walled city of Harar itself is located in the eastern part of Ethiopia and sits atop a hill. In 2006 Harar was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as the fourth holy city of Islam. Also deemed the city of saints, Christian and Muslim families have lived peacefully side by side in the city for centuries. Women play many important roles in Harari culture and enjoy robust social lives built around friendship and kinship. Harari women work inside and outside of their homes as farmers, merchants and weavers in addition to traditional household roles. Women also work in labor and service, education and medicine.