Dead White Man's Clothes - Atmos | Part 1: A Closet Full of Clothes

This is Part One of a series of short videos we have been working on with Atmos Magazine to illuminate how the global secondhand clothing trade connects people and material in ways that are both predictable and unforeseen.

“If we were given one word to describe Kantamanto, it would be “vibrant.” No day spent in Kantamanto is the same, just as no item is the same. Similar to any center of commerce, auxiliary services cater to the needs of both consumers and traders like Abena and David. Readymade food and daily groceries can be procured while walking around. Both the local news and scripture are broadcast by committed individuals with megaphones in hand. During election season, promoters of each political party can also be found vying for attention. Beauty products are in good supply, and retailers can even receive a pedicure while they market their goods.

And yet, this vibrancy can also read as chaos. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of stuff.

Because that is the constant: stuff. Clothing, shoes, accessories. Piles and piles. Piles sitting, piles moving. People sitting on piles. Standing on piles. Walking on piles. Sleeping on piles. Everywhere. Stuff.” - from our written piece for Atmos, Volume 02: Latitude

Thanks to our incredible film crew Daniel and Kwadwo of Accra Studios Live, Enoch Nsoh and Joshua Odamtten + thanks to Emma Blackman for editing & patience. Originally released on Instagram.