Comoros’ Prized Muslim Headgear Undercut by Chinese Copies

File image of Muslim mean wearing kofia headwear in Moroni, Comoros. Kofia were once very expensive but a surge of Chinese imports has brought down the price considerably. OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT / AFP

By Faïza Soulé Youssouf

In the markets of the Comoros, the hand-embroidered kofia that is essential headwear for men and boys at Eid celebrations this month is facing fierce competition from much cheaper Chinese versions.

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