Mwani Origin

We love returning to places that have become like home and Zanzibar is definitely one of those special places for us. Having made numerous trips for projects and quiet escapes, we fall a little more in love with the island each time we visit.

We were extremely excited to continue a new chapter of a long-term project we have been working on with the wonderful team from Mwani Zanzibar in partnership with Fujifilm. Mwani Origin explores the origins of seaweed farming, indigenous knowledge, and the role of women as guardians of nature on the island of Zanzibar.

For generations the Mwani Zanzibar Mamas have farmed seaweed in tune with the moon and the tides of the Indian Ocean. Seaweed farming is an intergenerational practice in Zanzibar and the women have always known about the power of the seaweed they grow, through local knowledge passed down through generations.

Combining traditional knowledge with skilled artisanal techniques to create their skin care range, they prepare each small batch by hand.

At Mwani Zanzibar the women are given the opportunity to expand their skill set to not only to farm seaweed, but to process and produce the products that result in economic independence and empowerment.

Watch the Fuji video here.