Burkina Faso’s African dolls challenge the barbie stereotype

In Burkina Faso, the creators of African dolls hope that their toys will resonate more with the children of the continent than the typical blue-eyed Barbie dolls.

Share the Story

byAbdulateef Ahmed

September 7, 2025

A "Saramani" doll designed by the Burkinabe artist Mare Abibou is pictured in her workshop in Ouagadougou on October 27, 2018. - Mare Abibou's company "Poupeemania" designs handmade dolls with brown skin and traditional African clothes. The Burkinabe artist exposes at the International Arts and Handicrafts Trade Show of Ouagadougou (SIAO) from October 26 until November 4, 2018. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP)

Author

Abdulateef Ahmed

Abdulateef Ahmed, Digital News Editor and; Research Lead, is a self-driven researcher with exceptional editorial skills. He's a literary bon vivant keenly interested in green energy, food systems, mining, macroeconomics, big data, African political economy, and aviation..