Before we talk about handicrafts of African, it is better to take a look at the position of the African continent.
Africa is the second largest continent in the world after Asia. With an area of around 30,221,532 square kilometers, it covers 20.3% of the total land mass of the earth. The width of this continent is about 8000 km from north to south and its length is about 7400 km from east to west.
With more than one billion people (according to 2005 statistics) in 61 countries and territories, Africa contains about one seventh of the world’s population. With 54 countries, this continent has the largest number of countries among the continents.
Africa is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea from the north, the Atlantic Ocean from the west, the Red Sea from the northeast, the Gulf of Aden from the south, and the Indian Ocean from the southeast. Africa has the longest river in the world (the Nile); This river, which originates from Burundi, flows into Egypt.
Interesting facts about Africa
Africa is a diverse continent; Each of its countries or any part of a country has its own unique culture. Although Westerners talk very easily about Africa as if it is one country, we must not forget that Africa is not only one country, but its size is very large and there are 54 different countries, in the sense that we cannot generalize Africa into a whole unit. In addition, due to the colonial nature that has ruled Africa, colonialist borders have made it possible to attribute an African country to anything but unity (for example, South Africa has more than 11 official languages). The culture, cuisine, language or even the dominant religion change completely within a few hundred kilometers without even crossing a border. The religion of most people in North Africa is Islam, and people in other parts of Africa believe in Christianity or primitive religions.
Important cities in Africa
- Kara – the capital of Ghana and one of the most accessible cities in West Africa for travelers
- Addis Ababa – the capital city of Ethiopia and a major center for NGOs and the African Union
- Cairo – the largest city in Africa with great monuments of ancient Egypt nearby
- Cape Town – the iconic mother city of South Africa with Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope and many other attractions
- Dakar – the capital of Senegal and the western city in Africa
- Johannesburg – the largest city in South Africa and perhaps the key financial and economic center of the continent
- Luanda – the capital of Angola, which has been through a great renaissance in the last decade
- Morocco – A mix of old and new in Morocco
- Nairobi – the capital of Kenya, the largest city in East and Central Africa, and home to the only United Nations headquarters outside of Europe and the United States.
Source: Wikipedia
handicrafts of African
Now that we have become familiar with the country of Africa, we can focus on the handicrafts of this country. A unique continent with a rich culture that has many handicrafts and souvenirs. The handicrafts produced in this continent are of very high quality and are considered one of the most important reasons for attracting tourists to this continent. In the following, we will introduce you some of the most important products and give a brief explanation about some of them.
1. handicrafts of African, hand-woven baskets
Another handicraft of the African continent that can give a special effect to the interior decoration of the house is the hand-woven basket produced by the artists of this continent. Due to its high quality, variety of colors and different designs, this product is an excellent choice for people who like problems. South Africa is one of the most important and best places in the world to produce hand-woven baskets in the world, these handicrafts can be used in interior design and are very popular, these baskets are available in different designs and sizes. And they are among the most beautiful and popular souvenirs of South Africa and you can buy them in beautiful and happy colors. pesrian kilim bags
2. wooden giraffe and African mask; Rosebank market souvenirs
In this market, a wide range of arts and crafts by skilled African artists from countries such as Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Zimbabwe and Congo are displayed. Handicrafts offered include all kinds of textiles, clothes, jewelry and ceramics and decorations related to interior decoration. Farewell to the beaches of South Africa with a wooden giraffe, or an African mask, is a common theme among tourists.
3. Rosebank; A symbol of African culture
The Rosebank African Crafts Indoor Market, on the corner of Cradock Street and Baker Street, is a festival of all handicrafts of African crafts. Locals and those traveling to South Africa are eager to enter the market, which is open seven days a week. The atmosphere of this market is lively, and tour buses regularly arrive with their tourists to view the distinctive range of goods that represent the unique culture of the African continent.
4. handicrafts of African, pottery art products
One of the most famous and popular souvenirs in South Africa is Ardmore Ceramics, which is actually the name of a group that started its work in 1985 and is famous for its colorful and attractive products, such as various bowls and plates. produces vases, tea sets and other items, it is interesting to know that these ceramic products are made by native South African artists with their own hands and each of them has its own unique feature and is very popular among tourists. They are popular and you can also buy colorful gifts from this group of artists.
5. African souvenirs and handicrafts, bead work from the best handicrafts of African continent
Kari beads can be considered as another important handicraft of the African continent. The importance of this product can be recognized from the large number of workshops that produce it. The products produced by this method have various colors and designs and can be a good choice to give as a gift to the people you love. A large number of people of this continent are working in beadwork workshops.
6. African carvings
Probably, wherever you walk in the city of Cape Town, you will come across all kinds of wooden carvings such as African masks, statues and small animal sculptures, which will be beautiful decorations to decorate the walls and tables of your home. Depending on your budget, you can find quality handicrafts at stores like Taung Trading Post, or buy inexpensive woodwork from one of the many craft markets and roadside shops around town.
7. Wash the cloth
Shui Shui is a colored cotton fabric that is used to produce traditional women’s clothing, bag covers, cushions, etc. If you intend to prepare a special gift for your loved ones, we recommend this product, which is considered one of the most special handicrafts of the African continent.
8. Macarappa hat, sports painted hat
Macarapa is a painted hat used by sports enthusiasts. These hats are decorated with colored cutouts and sports team flags and are sold at sporting events as well as in specialty South African craft stores.
9. Leather handbags, designed with ostrich leather
Many local designers produce beautiful and quality leather bags. Many designers use ostrich leather native to South Africa. Pick up a Missibaba handbag – they come in a range of designs from tote bags and backpacks and use beautiful patterns.
10. Rooibos tea in different flavors
Rooibos tea is a household staple in South Africa and comes in a wide range of flavors. More expensive brands of this tea are beautifully packaged. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who isn’t a tea drinker, pick up some Rooibos beauty products because they’re affordable. These products are ideal for skin care, so they make great gifts for your friends.
11. Durban spices, variety of aroma and color
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is the best city in South Africa to enjoy delicious food. It is obvious that if you go to one of the very beautiful markets in this area, you can easily find various and fragrant spices.
12. Traditional Xhosa fabric, patterned cotton fabric
It is a patterned and colored cotton fabric traditionally worn by Xhosa women. Choose ready-made clothes, cushion covers, bags and other items from this fabric. Or, if you prefer, you can easily buy fabric scraps to take home.
13. African jewelry
Jewelry can be considered one of the most important parts of the culture of African countries, which is common among the different tribes living in this continent. If you intend to buy these products, you will notice their variety and unique beauty. That is why every year many people from all over the world travel to African countries to buy these products.
14. handicrafts of African, ostrich eggs
Ostrich eggs are one of the strangest souvenirs that attract the attention of many tourists. African artists use different colors and jewels to decorate this product beautifully and sell it in the markets of African countries. Of course, remember that the decorative ostrich egg is very sensitive and can be damaged by the slightest impact.
15. Wire crafts
The art of wirework, like beadwork, is of interest to many tourists and locals. This interesting hobby originated in rural areas around the country and later turned into a profitable business for amateur artists. Today, beadwork and wire work artists work together to create beautiful decorative objects that range from flowers and toy cars to delicate animal sculptures and small home furniture. To buy these handicrafts, visit the Streetwires trade fair in Cape Town, which displays a collection of handicrafts by beadwork and wire work artists.
16. tanzanite stone
Many tourists travel to South Africa to buy precious metals and stones because of the favorable exchange rate. Apart from diamonds, there is high demand for South Africa’s limited supply of tanzanite, which comes from its sole source, Mount Kilimanjaro. This stone is a thousand times rarer than diamond, and because of its dark blue color, beautiful and expensive jewelry is made from it. Remember, buy tanzanite from reputable Cape Town jewelers.
17. kiss
Mibus is a type of food made from dried apricots. To prepare it, first, ripe apricots are soaked in salt water, and then they are cut into flat and uniform circles and placed under the sun for a few days to dry. Mibus are rolled in sugar before eating or eaten as is as a delicious sweet and sour snack.
18. Amarola
Amarola is a type of drink made from the exotic fruit of a native tree called marula. The marula tree grows in the plains south of the Sahara desert in Africa. Amarola can be drunk with some ice or added to ice cream and enjoy eating it. Many chefs in local restaurants like to use this drink in the preparation of desserts.
19. Gold coins, popular with tourists
Johannesburg is known as the city of gold in South Africa. This is the main reason why people flock here. If you want to take home a few pieces of this precious commodity, Kruger Rands and Mandela coins are popular options. The main dealer of these coins is the South African Coin and Gold Exchange, which operates a number of stores (known as The Scoin Shops) throughout the city of Johannesburg. Most of these gold stores offer a variety of foreign coins from all the world’s leading mints.
20. South African diamond, part of the Crown Jewels of the Queen of England
The largest rough diamond mine ever found is Callinan, about an hour from Johannesburg. Now a piece of the area’s diamonds is part of the Queen of England’s Crown Jewels, and it’s a perfect excuse to take one of these shiny little jewels home with you. The easiest way is to get it as part of a gem. Today, finding diamonds in Johannesburg doesn’t require much digging, just walk around the city’s shopping malls. Expect to pay upwards of $3,000 for white and yellow gold rings with diamonds. Including South African souvenirs, which will be very expensive and special.
Poplar chain stores including Stearns and Brown are the best places to get these expensive souvenirs.
21. Beltung, the most popular snack in South Africa
This spiced dried meat is probably South Africa’s most popular snack. Apparently it was developed by Dutch settlers when South Africa was a British colony. If you have tried it even once, you cannot go home without this delicious treat. It is very interesting to buy a large piece and carve it at home. However, you can buy sliced beltong with different flavors (such as chutney or chili). All butchers throughout South Africa display this unique delicacy in their windows.
22. Zulu shield, a popular souvenir
In the distant past, various African tribes such as Zulus and Shangan ruled the region. Traditional equipment, mainly made from a wide range of animal skins or beaded handicrafts, can still be found throughout South African cities. A popular choice (in small, decorative or larger versions) is the Zulu shield. Such a unique purchase is possible only in a unique store. Even some of these stores can be compared with the Museum of Man and Science.
23. African pop, a type of porridge with a corn base
This corn-based porridge is a staple of local cuisine and is served with almost every meal. The uncooked product is from 500 grams to 10 kilograms in each package and looks like polenta. It is often eaten with chakalaka (a typically spicy South African vegetable). Also with milk, butter and sugar for breakfast, it is a favorite of the native people of Africa. This product is available everywhere in South Africa, from street cafes to large grocery stores. In fact, it is harder not to find it in Africa than to find it.
24. Chakalaka with a warm and mild taste
This spiced tomato, onion and vegetable dish is an essential dish that you should prepare with pap (porridge), bread, meat, stew and curry spices. If you can make it at home, that’s even better, but the canned variety is just as good. Chakalaka comes in a variety of mild and very hot flavors. Chakalaka can be purchased from all grocery stores.
25. Vuvuzela, the popular plastic horn of soccer fans
Who can forget the monotonous sound of vuvuzela trumpets around the world during the 2010 FIFA World Cup? A vuvuzela is a colorful plastic horn about a meter long that you can find all over South Africa. The vuvuzela is unique to South Africa and can still be heard throughout the city whenever a big game is on. So if you are a football fan, you will definitely stand out in the crowd (outside of South Africa) with this instrument.
26. African masks, an exciting experience
Wearing an African mask is almost synonymous with any other African experience. Johannesburg is a great place to shop. Visit the African Handicrafts Market at 33 Beth Street in Day Mall (open daily 08:30-18:00). Handicrafts from all over Africa are sold at this two-story craft market. Including South African souvenirs that have a decorative aspect.
27. Ostrich products, popular with South African women
The ostrich is a species of large bird native to Africa. Feathers and skins of these birds have been used to adorn women for centuries, and there is no reason why you should not leave the country in the same way. A wide range of products including handbags and ornaments made with ostrich products can be found throughout South Africa as handicrafts of African.
