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Ankelba: Ethiopia’s Traditional Baby Carrier and Symbol of Heritage
In the heart of Ethiopia’s diverse cultural landscape lies a handcrafted treasure known as the Ankelba—a traditional leather baby carrier that is as practical as it is symbolic. Used across rural regions such as Raya, Dessie, Hamer, Mursi, and Surma, the Ankelba represents a profound blend of maternal love, craftsmanship, and heritage.
More Than a Baby Carrier
At first glance, the Ankelba may appear to be a simple sling. But for Ethiopian women, it is a deeply personal and cultural artifact. Made from durable oxskin leather, known locally as K’urbet, the same material used to create blankets, shoes, clothes, and grain carriers, the Ankelba stands out as a powerful symbol of motherhood and identity.
Used to carry babies from infancy up to the age of three or four, the Ankelba frees up mothers’ hands during daily activities such as grinding grain, baking injera, or walking long distances. Yet, its significance goes far beyond utility. It is often considered an indicator of a woman’s wealth and social status, with intricately decorated versions fetching between 250 and 2700 Ethiopian birr, depending on their craftsmanship and embellishments.
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A Ritual of Care and Craftsmanship
In Ethiopia’s Raya region, the making and maintenance of the Ankelba is a ritual of care. The leather is softened and polished using butter and scented medicinal herbs like African wormwood, Ades, Gunedi, and Qetenayu. This treatment not only blackens and smooths the leather for comfort but also adds a protective, aromatic quality, believed to safeguard the baby from harm.
Decorations such as buttons, beads, and cowrie shells are added, each element narrating a story—of family, region, tradition, or social standing.
A Legacy Passed Down
In most Ethiopian communities, the Ankelba is not bought or sold lightly. Women do not typically lend, gift, or trade them. Instead, the Ankelba is passed down from mother to daughter, grandmother to grandchild—making it a living heirloom that carries with it stories of generations. This practice reinforces the deep emotional connection and ancestral pride that surrounds the Ankelba.
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Celebrated Through Art
Recognizing its beauty and importance, Ethiopian artist Sifnedingel Ejigu has brought the Ankelba to the forefront through exhibitions that display its varied designs and cultural relevance. His work captures how this item—worn on the back but held close to the heart—embodies the traditions, struggles, and strength of Ethiopian women.
A Cultural Emblem in the Modern World
In a rapidly globalizing world, the Ankelba remains a resilient cultural emblem, reminding us of the power of heritage and the artistry woven into daily life. As more people seek to reconnect with authentic, handmade traditions, the Ankelba stands as a compelling example of Afrocentric design that is both functional and symbolic.
Conclusion
The Ankelba is far more than a baby carrier. It is a work of art, a cultural statement, and a symbol of legacy in Ethiopian society. Through its enduring use and continued celebration in exhibitions and everyday life, it reminds us that tradition can be both beautiful and purposeful.
Whether admired for its design, respected for its utility, or cherished as a family heirloom, the Ankelba carries with it the heartbeat of Ethiopia’s rural communities and the timeless bond between mother and child.