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Shopping in Kenya can be a lot of fun and a large pain at the same time.
The first thing to realize is that bargaining is a must. Almost anywhere
you go to buy something you will be able and expected to bargain. Shop for
local handicrafts and art, including wood carvings of animals and people,
sisal baskets, Masai and Kikuyu beadwork, handwoven kanga (sarong) fabric,
Kisii soapstone, intricately carved gourds, ebony carvings, batik wall hangings,
antiques (notably Arabic pieces), blue tanzanite or green tsavorite gemstones,
and malachite. |
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In
Kenya the physical decoration and adornment is of great significance
for many tribes. Most jewellery on sale is Kenya is of tribal origin,
although very little is the genuine article. The colourful and decorative
Maasai beaded jewellery is the most striking and the most poplular
internationally, and is very distinctive. The beadwork is astonishingly
intricate and beautiful, combining thousands of tiny coloured beads
with cowrie shells and leatherwork. Each of the many designs of
bracelets, ceremonial adornments and particularly necklaces has
its own particular traditional meaning and purpose. Today, Maasai
beading has become so popular that it is possible to find many more
modern beadwork items. These include hair-sliders, wallets, belts,
watchstraps, sandals and even mobile phone covers.