A community of famous Makondo wood carvers produce sculptures and an array of other objects under the trees in Mwenge Craft Village. The Makondo originally came from Mozambique and have traditionally carved their sculptures from ebony. However, with concerns over conservation, especially as ebony grows very slowly, the carvers are much more likely to use other hard woods, which are lighter in colour and are ‘passed off’ as ebony by being blackened with shoe polish.
The carvers produce, in addition to their traditional sculptures, chess sets, salad spoons, salad bowls, lions, hippopotamus, buffalo, giraffe, to name but a few. As well as the carvings there are colourful batiks, spears, paintings, masks and antiques for sale.
Mwenge Craft Village is an excellent place to purchase good quality souvenirs at very reasonable prices. Those visiting the craft village and wanting to make a purchase are expected to barter, which is all part of the fun. For those guests who stay in Dar-es-Salaam on two or more occasions we recommend two visits to Mwenge Craft Village; on the first visit, ‘soak up’ the atmosphere, check out the prices, try out your haggling skills and make purchases on your return.
Mwenge Craft Village is an excellent half day visit and we include it in all our itineraries for those guests staying 2 or more nights in Dar-es-Salaam. We can also arrange a visit for those staying one night. |
