Some craftsmen from Cameroon and other countries like Pakistan are stealing the show.

One of the sectors that is pulling crowds at the fifth International Handicraft Exhibition of Cameroon, SIARC, Yaounde, is that of leather goods. Craftsmen from the Adamawa, North and Far North Regions of the country have distinquished themselves in the production and marketing of high quality goods in stands at the Tsinga fair ground.

“We are striving to create modern products using fine material from some of the most talented artisans in north Cameroon,” Yaya Dahirou, leather producer and vendor, based in Maroua, pointed out. Ousmanou, a Garoua-based leather producer and vendor, explained that they use premium domestic material like cow skin to skillfully manufacture leather goods that have won the hearts of many. “Our goods are of high quality and are crafted by hand,” said Yaya Dahirou. He explained that the tanned leather used for some of the products were sanded and buffed to remove imperfections or natural marks on the surface of the hide, making some of the goods glow.

Exhibitors from Pakistan, on their part, are also pulling crowds. Their leather goods and accessories are exhibited in three different stands. Like their peers from Cameroon, items and accessories like zip wallets, handbags, backpacks and clothing (e.g shoes, hats, jackets, belts) are on display. Attendants at the Pakistani stands guiding visitors, emphasised that their exhibitors were “manufacturers of exquisite leather goods, be it big or small.”

The prices might be scary, but manufacturers say the cost of production, both in time and means, if taken into consideration will make leather goods sell at cut-throat prices.“These are goods for fashion-minded people who appreciate craftmanship and elegance,” said Dahirou, claiming that the FCFA 100,000 they might take for a leather sitting set (four puffs and a carpet) might just be a conciliatory price for customers.

He argues that the cost of raw material was increasing. “It can take three weeks to manufacture three puffs that amount to FCFA 45,000. The workload is strenous and needs a lot of care, reason why we find it difficult giving out some of our leather products at not-so-satisfactory prices requested by some customers.”

This notwithstanding, most visitors to leather stands in SIARC are tempted not to leave without a souvenir. From handmade leather goods from the north of Cameroon to Pakistan, visitors are appreciating, with exhibitors exploring all business opportunities.