Betsy and Iya

She isn’t exactly low-profile.

Bold color, loud in the best way, and pretty incapable of minding her own business. The necklace, too. Throw her on with the basics or pile on more color and let things get a little out of hand. Subtle was never really part of the plan. 

Come see her in-store.

Every February, Suzy and I walk the outdoor aisles of the African Art Village show in Tucson — reconnecting with makers we love and searching for what’s new for our Bazaar.

Seven or eight years ago, we followed the music through the crowded market. It led us to Birama Berthe — but please, call him Baba.

His booth stopped us. Brass catching the sun. Jewelry in careful rows. Baba greeting everyone with his big, joyous “Aaa! Aaa!” like you’re already an old friend.

Baba is from Mali, West Africa. He began making jewelry in 1999 as an apprentice and later founded Muso Masi-ri, traveling between Mali and the U.S. several times a year to share his handmade work.

“Muso Masi-ri” means the decoration of women in Bambara. Through his work, Baba shares the spirit, creativity, and pride of Malian women.

I wear one of his bendable brass cuffs almost every day. It’s the kind of piece that quietly becomes part of you — and draws regular compliments.

Explore Baba’s beautiful things this Friday and Saturday (March 13–14) at the Betsy & Iya Bazaar, see you then!