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Sokofa Craft Series

African Leather Goods

Bags, sandals, loafers and accessories — cut, stitched and finished by hand in artisan workshops across Africa

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10 handcrafted pieces

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About the craft

The tradition behind leather goods

Africa has one of the world's oldest continuous leatherworking traditions. From the tanneries of northern Nigeria — whose goatskin was so prized it reached Europe as 'Moroccan leather' — to the sandal makers of East Africa, leather here is a craft inheritance, worked by hand with techniques that pre-date the factory by centuries.

The pieces in this collection come from that lineage: full-grain hides, vegetable tanning, saddle stitching done by hand rather than machine. Handmade leather wears differently from mass-produced — it moulds to its owner, deepens in colour, and outlasts fashion cycles. When you buy on Sokofa, you buy directly from the workshop that made it.

What to look for

Choosing well

  • Full-grain hides that develop a patina with use
  • Hand stitching — slight irregularity is the proof of handwork
  • Vegetable tanning in the West African tradition
  • Each piece listed with its leather type and origin
  • Made by verified artisans, sold with no middlemen

Why Sokofa

Every vendor on Sokofa is personally verified. When you buy leather goods here, you buy directly from the artisan — no middlemen, full transparency.

Common questions

About buying African leather goods online

What kind of leather do African artisans use?

Most pieces on Sokofa are made from locally sourced full-grain cow, goat, or sheep hides, often vegetable-tanned using methods passed down through generations of leatherworking families. Each product page lists the leather type used.

How do I care for handmade leather goods?

Keep leather away from prolonged moisture and direct heat, and condition it once or twice a year with a neutral leather balm. Full-grain leather develops a richer patina with use — scuffs and darkening are character, not damage.

Are the leather goods on Sokofa genuinely handmade?

Yes. Every vendor is personally verified before selling on Sokofa, and the leather pieces here are cut, stitched, and finished by hand in artisan workshops. Small variations in stitching and grain are the signature of handmade work.

Do you ship leather goods worldwide, and can I return them?

Yes — all items ship internationally, with delivery times and costs confirmed at checkout. Most products are covered by a 30-day return window; contact support and they will guide you through the process.

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