Curious Collections

Few places on the planet allow visitors to experience so much in the way of luxury safari, culture and lifestyle. Kenya surpasses all expectations as a world-class destination for all travellers. That said, what’s your journey without some things to remember it by?

How and Where Can You Source the Right Souvenirs?

To date, few parts of the country are inaccessible to visitors willing to learn and experience more than a click behind the lens. Some of the most personal articles can in fact be exchanged from local tribes who own or deal in traditional crafts. Many a Maasai would willingly show and sell their beads and jewelery even a shield fashioned from tough hide.

Interesting Maasai Fact

Maasai culture prohibits a warrior from throwing or letting go of a spear that may come back in the hands of an enemy.

Recommendations

Always ask what use a particular piece serves or signifies. It is also important to know from what it was made. That way, you avoid the risk of prompting trade in elephant tail whisks that Mzee Kenyatta wielded as scepter or sea shells and ivory that are unlawfully obtained.

Several communities are today still engaging in the quondam trades of their ancestors, what has changed is the transaction from cowrie shells and beads to a less cumbersome currency.

Key Souvenir Creators

Kenyan communities who develop striking souvenir include:

  • The Abagusii
  • The Akamba
  • The Abagusii

The Abagusii

The Kisii stone carvers have etched into time incredible works in pink, crimson and black steatite. Pieces ranging from chess boards to enigmatic loops attest to the Kisii’s prowess in stone sculpture.

The Akamba

A less weighty souvenir of equal artistry can be found in the works of expert wood carvings by Akamba craftsmen. Bookends, masks, abstract or lifelike figures as well as instruments such as flutes, drums and lyres are but a few of the variants of this art form.

Souvenir Materials

The major ones include:

  • Tropical soft and hardwoods
  • Sisal and banana fibres
  • Gourds and bones
  • Glass
  • Beads
  • Metal
  • Valuable Stones
  • Leather
  • Beads
  • Paintings
  • Tie and Dye Fabric

Souvenir Items

Wood

Heavy tropical hardwoods like ebony will most often cost much more than their more delicate counterparts such as rosewood, a detail many traders would love to capitalize on.

Sisal and Banana Fibres

Woven kiondo’s (basket), place mats and hand handbags marry the resilient banana and sisal fibres with even gentler uses as mobiles dancing in the wind.

Gourds, Glass, Metal, Beads, Precious Stones, and Bones

Traditional gourds and bone goblets are among a range of unique utensils available. Hand crafted jewellery in glass, beads, metal and semi-precious stones are on offer alongside leather sandals reinvented in the ‘modern’ akala.

Paintworks and Tie and Dye Items

Sensational art works in paint on canvas, hides and fabric embody African expression while the tie-dye and batik textiles serve as a reminder of Kenya’s world inspiration through clothing.

Memento Locations

Fantastic artefacts are today easily available at the city council curio Market on Koinange Street and the Maasai Market on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Where on the weekdays traders set up on the banks of the Nairobi River behind Kijabe Street and the weekends business takes a more conventional mode at the Parliament Parking.

Discount Allowance

Remember that what does not have a tag can be negotiated and even then a discount is easily granted for more than one piece.