— the beginning
It all started with my mom in our motherland. . .
I’m Sofi, and I was born in Senegal, West Africa, to the Wolof tribe. Part of the Jolof empire that dominated the 14th -16th centuries, the Wolof became a powerful force and sought after for their trade commodities, but primarily for gold. Even today, Wolof is the primary ethnic group in Senegal.
In our tribe, weaving is passed down generationally, from grandmothers and mothers to daughters and granddaughters. Girls are taught to weave from a very young age and this skill is used throughout our lives. Not only do women create useful items for their families and to sell, but the art of basket weaving is a communal activity women enjoy in the company of others.
— the middle
from Senegal, with love
When I came to the United States seeking education, I was struck by how limited many people’s understanding of Africa was. They saw poverty instead of color, scarcity instead of abundance, struggle instead of joy. The Africa I knew was vibrant, joyful, and abundant in creativity and culture, especially in its craftsmanship.
One of my favorite proverbs reminds me why this matters: “Until the lion can speak, the story will always glorify the hunter.” I founded Expedition Subsahara to let the lion speak. To let our own voices tell the stories of culture, craft, and community with radical respect.
At Expedition Subsahara, we are African-owned and rooted in purpose. We work with full-time artisans in Senegal who weave year-round with skill, pride, and support. We ensure they earn stable, dignified income and work in environments where their tradition can thrive instead of fade. Every piece you see on our site is a testament to their expertise and heritage.
But supporting craft goes beyond employment. We dedicate 20% of our profits to fund girls’ education across Sub-Saharan Africa. We believe education strengthens communities, expands opportunities, and preserves heritage by giving the next generation the freedom to learn without abandoning the traditions that define them.
— the destination
Expedition Subsahara…
was created as a love letter to the world, a way to share color, culture, and craftsmanship while shifting how African products are spoken about, bought, and valued. We invite you to bring these pieces into your home, not just as decor, but as carriers of story and purpose.
When you shop handmade, you keep the story alive.
When you support artisans, you honor heritage.
When you share these pieces with the world, the weave continues.
Welcome to our vibrant, joyful world.
Thank you for being part of the story.
We love you!
