Mary Padar Kuojok, South Sudan, 2012 Market Artist

Master beader Mary Padar Kuojok is coming to the Folk Art Market this summer to represent the Roots Project from Juba, South Sudan. The Republic of South Sudan became the world’s newest nation state when it declared independence on July 9, 2011. After years of war, education, job skills, and employment opportunities are lacking in South Sudan for the majority of the population, especially women.

Mary Padar, from the Dinka tribe, will make the long journey to Santa Fe this July. She was a young child when war broke out, and vividly remembers the displacement of her family. She has lived most of her life surrounded by war, raising 11 children, three of whom have died. For many years she worked as a cook for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army until 2010 when she was finally free to move.

After moving to Juba, Mary Padar joined the Roots Project, an organization that creates opportunities for economic self-sufficiency for the many disadvantaged women affected by war. Founder and human rights activist Anyieth D’Awol believed that South Sudan’s unique cultural history should be preserved to help forge a cohesive national identity. The project has grown since 2009 to employ over 60 women and men from 16 different tribal groups.

Traditional Dinka Corset

Affectionately known as “haboba,” or grandmother, Mary Padar supports her family and sends her many grandchildren to school with income from the beautiful traditional Dinka corsets that she beads and sells through the Roots Project. Like many traditional adornments in South Sudan, the Dinka corset is a form of communication to other members of the society about the person wearing it. Unmarried girls traditionally wear the Dinka corset; the size and color communicates the girl’s age, her status in society, her family’s background, and especially the family’s expectations of dowry.

The Roots Project promotes peace-building and teaches traditional crafts. Through the organization, men and women from different tribes are able to collaborate to share their skills and techniques. The Roots Project creates a safe and secure work environment for members, as well as provides a venue for exhibitions, demonstrations, and cultural gatherings.

Mary Padar needs your help to get to the Market. Through the Market’s Artist Sponsorship Program, you can provide financial support that will help support her international airfare, local transportation and lodging, meals and hospitality and Market Readiness Training.  Contributions of any size will help Mary attend the Market for a life-changing experience.