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African Abstract Art for sale enter gallery | Tinga Tinga paintings from the swahili coast enter gallery | Tanzania Art boutique gallery enter gallery |
Art Markets in Zanzibar
The Port of Stone Town is the main gate way into the Spice Islands of the Zanzibar archipelago. The Spice Islands just a 90 minute ferry ride from the Tanzanian mainland. Zanzibar evokes images of white sailed dhows white sands, crystal clear seas and palm trees. As you step off the ferry you are met by the smell of cloves floating on the breeze. This bustling port produces a plethora of art. Many artists come to study on the island and remain here making a living from painting.
Nyumba ya Sanaa [the House of Art] is a famed art college in Tanzania. Many students come here from the mainland port of Dar es Salaam to study at this college. This exotic and romantic archipelago produces some of the finest art in Tanzania.
Most tourists come to the islands for to relax on the beaches. However, before you rush off through the spice plantations to the white beaches spend one night in Stone Town. It is not often, in Africa,that you will have the opportunity to explore a town that is steeped in a rich and at one time bloody and shameful history. Some parts of the town date back to the 13th century and the labyrinth of narrow streets lined with fascinating shops is an adventure not to be missed.
Leaving the quay side and following the sore line along the ocean road,next to the amazing ‘House of Wonders’- is the Old Fort. This old fort looks abandoned and may miss this special place. Pass through the dark and rather gloomy entrance bypassing the counter which may have a few pamphlets strewn across the dusty counter top; this passes for the tourist information office for the island. Ignore the man on a stool who may look at you or may just ignore you and pass into the light of the inner courtyard.
Here are many small local galleries run by the artists themselves. There are paintings and carvings and even a alfresco bistro at the far end of the fort. Take your time here to look at the art a painting here can cost as little as US$30 up to US$120. To negotiate is expected but remember always to keep it good natured. You are the visitor here. You also have the advantage of a favorable exchange rate. This is not a competitive sport remember that the artist has a living to make and the paintings even at US$120 are priced well for original African art.
In the fort is the gallery of M Ausy who specializes in watercolor, soft pastels and contemporary African art. His gallery is stacked full of his paintings and also many other artists working in Zanzibar. M Ausy is a gentleman and, because of this, negotiations are easy. Once you are finished in the fort it is time to explore the old town.
The old narrow streets of Stone Town host many ‘galleries’and the art is breathtaking [in a good way]. You will get lost so if you have a trusted
guide; although I always think it is part of the fun getting lost in this maze of streets. Try to find the ‘Basket Shop’in the old town it is run by Jackson. This is a fascinating shop that sells large batiks that are great for wall hanging. It is an Aladdin’s cave of art, fabrics and baskets all made by rural women who have banded together to form a cooperative. Jackson’s shop is one of the outlets for this women’s group.
This brief article is a kick-start guide to your art shopping in Stone Town. If you need any more information please do not hesitate to contact us
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