The Kankan/KoiKoi/ibile is a traditional Nigerian exfoliating sponge that is used by adults and children to rid the face and body of dead skin. It is also used during spiritual cleanses. Traditionally, it takes several days to create the handmade KanKan. This is because makers must first strip the fibers of wild coconut husks or, more often, tree bark. After, the material is beaten to loosen it up, then washed and cleansed and set aside for around three days in order for the fibers to dry out, before finally being combed and shaped.
The KanKan consists of 100% plant fibers, is one of the most eco friendly and sustainable personal care products available, and has been used in W. African traditions for centuries.
Hi, I'm acquanda! I'm a radical Black feminist anthropologist and owner of Elodie Handmade Soap. I'm an avid traveler, former birth worker, sort of a microgreen gardener, wanna be master herbalist and a health junkie, who has always had a weakness for good, wholesome and organic body products. Elodie, (pronounced el-oh-dee), is an outgrowth of years of my work in the Mississippi Delta, where I researched breastfeeding among Black and African Americans on location, as well as the broader state and the country, along with my passion for health and healing and firm belief that having access to nourishing items that shield people from harmful chemicals and toxic substances is a facet of health sovereignty. I love making soap for the community. And it is SO exciting to me each time someone shows (and/or tells) me how Elodie soaps gave them relief from eczema, psoriasis, acne or other issue, or how they make their skin feel soft and nourished and that it just feels good. It doesn't get old. The shop has both plant and animal-based soaps and other body products, and they are made on-site in small batches using certified organic, grass fed, pasture raised, no-spray, NON-GMO, unrefined & whole ingredients. We also try and source as many of these as we can locally. We have not and will never use artificial colorants, scents or other such substances. EHS is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11-6. On Fridays we're here from 10-12, but for pickup orders only. If you have questions don't hesitate to reach out -- you can call, text, or message us through this site or on our facebook page.