Treasure trove of remarkable wares in Tanzania’s Arusha
Shivani Vora
Shanga A social enterprise and destination for design lovers, Shanga sells handicrafts made by Tanzanians with disabilities.
These artisans produce an expansive range of goods such as drinking and wineglasses made with recycled coloured glass, woven cotton shawls and place mats and decorative metal objects. Prices from $1 (about R14).
Gohil’s When Arushans want to buy local culinary staples such as peanuts and cashews, honey, dried fruits like bananas and mangoes, and spices like turmeric, chai masala and clove powder, they go to this store. On the second floor of a mall, Gohil’s stocks premium versions of these staples. Prices from $1.
Sidai Designs About 100 Masai women who live in the countryside around Arusha make the fashionable jewellery sold at this airy store.
Their works range from delicate to dramatic, but beadwork is a common thread among the pieces – a slender cream bead bracelet was recently for sale, for example, but so was a thick cuff with bright red, blue and green beads.
On Tuesday, which is tradition- ally market day in the area, the women come from the countryside to display their incredible talents on the lawn just outside the boutique.
Prices for some fantastic wares range from just $15.
Schwari Collectibles Beate Allard, a Tanzanian with a Swiss background, sells stylish home goods and clothing out of an airy 1952 bungalow that’s adjacent to her Mediterranean restaurant, The Blue Heron. Prices from $3.