On the streets of Monrovia, the capital of the small West African country of Liberia, everything is for sale: Second-hand clothes, kitchenware and shoes from China and used stuffed animals donated from overseas. Photographs and text by Glenna Gordon.
A little boy in Monrovia proudly displays his Beanie Baby. Football is as popular in Liberia as stuffed animals, so this one is a prized toy shared by many children.
Adults love stuffed animals too – especially the giant ones usually given away as carnival prizes. They are for sale for about £13 ($20) each.
A man changing a tyre on a taxi has many teddies on his dashboard. Though they are all different animals, Liberians call each of them a teddy.
Most Monrovia taxis are heavily decorated and stuffed animals are a common feature on dashboards around town.
A group of children proudly displays a much-loved teddy bear.
In the same warehouses where traders purchase used clothes, many bags of used teddies also sit around waiting to be bought. A vendor can buy a bag for about £20.
Individual teddies will sell from £1 ($1.6) to £10 ($16), depending on the size and condition.
The second-hand teddies show some signs of wear and tear, but most Liberians love them anyway. They are popular gifts for birthdays, graduations, holidays, and even weddings.
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