Explore the Traditional Arts And Crafts Of Kenya And Pick A Thoughtful Souvenir
Who doesn’t love to travel? And when one travels, picking up souvenirs is something we all do. When we visit magnificent countries like Kenya, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect souvenir. Kenya is a wonderful country that has a rich heritage of different types of arts, crafts, and traditional pieces that can make for perfect keepsakes.
In this blog, Yup Africano, which is one of the oldest travel agencies that offer Kenya tour packages from Dubai, will take you on a detailed guide through different traditional arts, crafts, and cultural picks in Kenya. So read until the end without missing any parts.
Kenyan Beads
When it comes to traveling to exotic places like Kenya, Jewelry is always top of mind for women. Even if you are not a woman, collecting something exclusive and exotic, such as Kenyan beads, will be worth it. The artistic beadwork from Kenya has significant value both in the fashion world and from an investment point of view.
When you buy a bead necklace, each bead has a unique meaning that reflects several facets of Kenyan culture, including love, marriage, money, and even spiritual beliefs. Beadwork was traditionally used to make elaborate jewelry, headdresses, and body adornments for ceremonies and special events.
Modern Kenyan artists still produce beautiful beaded jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings by fusing traditional styles with modern flair. They make the perfect keepsake to remember your trip to this multicultural country because their brilliant colors and designs stimulate feelings of excitement and celebration. Don’t forget to include a visit to this wonderful country in your upcoming holiday packages from Dubai to Kenya Also read: 7 must-do things in Kenya to make your trip memorable and exciting.
Maasai Shuka Fabric
Fabric is the last thing on most people’s minds when they consider picking up souvenirs. But if you want to collect some extraordinary and rustic pieces and not just cheap plastic fridge magnets made in China or other countries, then consider collecting traditional fabrics from any countries you visit. Some of the simple things you can do with traditional fabrics are to make art pieces out of them or frame them.
Kenya has a traditional fabric known as Maasai Shuka. Maasai Shuka is a vibrant and functional cloth that has bold designs and eye-catching colors that make the fabric easily recognized. The bold characteristics and designs have turned it into a beloved representation of Kenyan culture.
The Maasai Shuka was initially worn as weatherproof clothing and is now widely regarded as a fashion statement by Westerners. This Maasai artifact will add a dash of Kenyan custom to your life, whether you decide to use it as a shawl, a blanket for a picnic, or a wall hanging. So don’t forget to plan your Kenya safari package from Dubai with Yup Africano to pick up this wonderful traditional Kenyan textile. If you want to add a bit of adventure to your African travel, then read our blog on 5 unforgettable adventure destinations in Africa.
Kenyan Kanga
Kenyan Kanga is another traditional Kenyan textile that has a lot of history and heritage behind it. Traditional Swahili kangas are rectangular pieces of fabric decorated with Swahili proverbs and bright colors. In Kenya, women of various ages wear them. Kangas are a means of expression and communication that are frequently utilized to send messages or express emotions; they are not just typical pieces of clothing adorned by women.
Each Kanga conveys a distinct message, ranging from encouraging words to how the wearer is feeling about a personal situation. When you choose kanga as your souvenir, you are not just getting a lovely piece of cloth; you are also joining Kenya’s legacy of textile art storytelling. When you plan your Kenya holiday packages from Dubai, don’t forget to pick traditional textiles such as Kanga and Maasai Shuka for your upcoming trip.
Soapstone Carvings
In Kenya, soapstone carvings are a traditional and age-old artifact that has been passed down through the generations. A soapstone carving is nothing but a soft and flexible stone carved and sculpted by skilled artisans to produce stunning sculptures and figurines that represent a variety of aspects of Kenyan life, such as wildlife, tribal characters, and creatures.
Every carving made out of soapstone embodies both the artist and the culture it symbolizes. These sculptures are meaningful works of art that demonstrate the enormous talent and creativity of Kenyan craftspeople, rather than merely decorative objects. Pick these wonderful soapstone carvings in your next Kenya tour package from Dubai and plan a memorable trip to the wonderful country.
Tinga Tinga Art
Tinga tinga art is a type of painting that has its roots in Tanzania but is highly regarded in Kenya as well. You can include a visit to both Kenya and Tanzania in your African safari packages from Dubai and collect tinga artwork from both countries.
The art from both countries is distinguished by the use of colors and humorous representations of wildlife and daily life. The late Tanzanian artist Edward Saidi Tingatinga made the style prominent, and it has since become a well-liked genre of art in the East African region.
Tinga Tinga paintings are the perfect keepsake to remember your safari travels and connect with Kenya’s natural beauty since they perfectly reflect the essence of Africa’s rich flora and fauna.
Sisal Baskets
Sisal baskets are another example of Kenya’s commitment to environmentally friendly and long-lasting crafts. These baskets are expertly handwoven from sisal fibers and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They can be used as decorative items or storage containers, in addition to being quite attractive and utilitarian. Buying a sisal basket is a significant way to support regional craftspeople and advance sustainable lifestyles.
Concluding Lines
From wonderful textiles that allow us to express our feelings to beads that have rich significance, Kenya has a lot of thoughtful traditional crafts that can be picked up as souvenirs and memorabilia.
The next time you plan your African safari from Dubai, don’t forget to get in touch with Team Yup Africano to plan a trip that you will remember forever.
