South Sudan, after decades of war, became the world’s newest nation in 2011.

The Roots Project employs over 60 recently demobilized women from 16 different tribal groups, selling and marketing their traditional arts.

A mother of 12, Mary Padar found work as a cook for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army. She is the only co-op member who knows how to make the beautiful Dinka beadwork corset traditionally worn by unmarried Dinka women, a skill she is now teaching to younger members.