Exploring Uganda’s Unique Craft Markets and Souvenirs
Exploring Uganda’s Unique Craft Markets and Souvenirs
The Ugandan culture is one that is filled with a lot of art and this is evident with the craft markets and souvenir shops. In addition to wooden carvings, the people also decorate themselves with beads and wear beautiful attire; this country is blessed with a lot of beautiful items that can be taken home as souvenirs. If you are searching for a good gift or a souvenir, or just want to buy something to remind you of the visited country, Uganda’s craft markets will provide. Below are some tips on where to find the craft markets and the types of souvenirs that are popular in Uganda.
- Kampala: Uganda’s Craft Scene in Focus: The Heart of it All
Overview:
Uganda’s capital city Kampala is one of the biggest cities when it comes to arts and crafts. Lodges and craft shops selling local and modern arts and crafts are also available in the city.
Key Markets and Shops:
– Nakasero Market: A lively market where you can get all sorts of artifacts such as baskets, carvings, and fabrics. It is a real market where people can feel the atmosphere of the local marketplace and communicate with the artisans.
– Crafts Village: As its name suggest it is situated close to the National Theatre and sells quality items including embroidered beads, wax prints, and wooden carvings. It’s a perfect spot to get some nice and special mementos and contribute to the local craftsmen.
– Owino Market: Popularly known as Owino Market, it is a blend of all sorts of products and also has crafts and textiles. It is a lively area where one can get arts and crafts at fairly affordable prices.
Must-Buy Souvenirs:
– Wooden Sculptures: Wooden carvings and masks are also sold and are a classic representation of the Ugandan art.
– Beaded Jewelry: Beautiful intricately crafted necklaces, bracelets and earrings which are beaded in varied colors.
– Batik Fabrics: Bold and colorful prints that are suitable for creating clothes, accessories or even to be used in decoration of the house.
Tips for Visiting:
– Bargain: You can always try to negotiate the price of goods, especially in markets since it is a part of the culture.
– Cash: It is advisable to have cash because most vendors accept cash, therefore, ensure to obtain local currency.
- Entebbe: Lakeside Craft Experiences
Overview:
Shopping is relatively less frantic in Entebbe as compared to Kampala because it is located on the shores of Lake Victoria. The city is equipped with several craft markets and shops where you can get some souvenirs.
Key Markets and Shops:
– Entebbe Craft Market: A small market located close to the town area where you will find an assortment of items of crafts like baskets, wooden drums, and other ornaments.
– The Boma Hotel Craft Shop: Shop for high-quality textiles and art at The Boma Hotel; this shop has a more casual setting as compared to other stores.
Must-Buy Souvenirs:
– Handwoven Baskets: All of the baskets are well-designed and versatile; they would make excellent additions to the home or thoughtful gifts.
– Traditional Drums: Real Ugandan drums that can be used for decoration or even for playing music.
Tips for Visiting:
– Relaxed Atmosphere: It is a more relaxed shopping experience than the markets of Kampala.
– Local Interaction: It is advisable to engage the artisans in a conversation and get to know more about the making of the products.
- Jinja: New Crafting Adventures by the Nile
Overview:
Jinja town is famous for its adventure activities and the beautiful location by the riverside and also has craft markets and shops. There is a balance between the traditional and the modern crafts which are practiced in the town to depict the culture of the people.
Key Markets and Shops:
– Jinja Main Market: A busy market where you can get arts and crafts, ornaments, jewelry, fabrics and wood carvings.
– The Source of the Nile Craft Shop: This located close to the Source of the Nile, this shop has gifts and other artifacts that depict the culture of this region.
Must-Buy Souvenirs:
– Nile River Art: Artistic creation that depict aspect such as the Nile River in paintings and carvings.
– Traditional Beadwork: Handmade crafts of beads of different colours which depict the culture and dreg of the local people.
Tips for Visiting:
– Combine Shopping with Activities: At the same time you can find crafts in the markets and try the adrenalin activities of Jinja like rafting or bungee jumping.
– Support Local Artisans: Buy from the artisans as this is the only way that the money that you will spend will be used to empower the artisans.
- Mbarara: Cultural Crafts of South Western Uganda
Overview:
Mbarara is a town in southwestern Uganda through which one can get a taste of the cultural artifacts of the region. The markets and shops of the town open up a world of local craftsmanship and for purchasing collectibles and mementoes.
Key Markets and Shops:
– Mbarara Main Market: A busy shopping area where one can obtain locally made items like wooden carvings, beads, and woven materials.
– Mbarara Cultural Centre: This center usually displays works of local artists and their products which are sold to visitors; this is a way of promoting the culture of the area.
Must-Buy Souvenirs:
– Wood Carvings: This is because the wood carvings in this region are detailed depicting animals, and other cultures.
– Traditional Fabrics: Loosely: Handmade and hand-dyed fabrics with traditional prints and colors of the local area.
Tips for Visiting:
– Explore Local Culture: It is recommended that you engage in other activities in Mbarara while at the same visit cultural and crafts in the area.
– Ask for Authentic Items: It is good to ask for the history of crafts in order to identify the real native craft.
- Fort Portal: Crafts of the Rwenzori Area
Overview:
Fort Portal located close to the Rwenzori Mountains has a number of souvenirs that depict the culture of the area. Gastronomic shops and markets of the town offer unusual gifts that can be bought in this beautiful area.
Key Markets and Shops:
– Fort Portal Main Market: A lively market where you can get items such as baskets, beads, and wooden carvings.
– Rwenzori Artisans Shop: A shop selling crafts from the people of the Rwenzori area with items such as textiles and wood carvings.
Must-Buy Souvenirs:
– Woven Baskets: Practically designed baskets that can be used to store items or even as an ornament in the house.
– Textiles and Fabrics: Special fabric patterns from the Rwenzori area.
Tips for Visiting:
– Support Local Artisans: This is advisable because buying directly from the artisans is a way of encouraging local artists Also, buying directly from artisans makes the piece to be original.
– Combine with Scenic Exploration: Visit the Fort Portal town to do some shopping for handicrafts and at the same time view the natural environment within the area.
Exploring Uganda’s Unique Craft Markets and Souvenirs: Conclusion
Exploring Uganda’s Unique Craft Markets and souvenirs shops provides a great variety of goods with original and historical values. Starting from the crowded marketplaces of Kampala to the quiet restaurants on the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, every place is a reflection of Uganda’s art and the handicrafts made by the locals. When visiting these markets and shops, you can get excellent souvenirs that depict the true spirit of Uganda and, at the same time, contribute to the local people’s income. The craft in Uganda ranges from the usual jewelry, and wood carvings, to fabrics and materials used to make clothes and other items.
