The Cape is the meeting place of talented designers and master crafters who produce a wide range of quality handmade goods ranging from ceremonial dance masks to embroidered cushion covers.
Craft markets in Cape Town, such as those at the V&A Waterfront and Greenmarket Square offer a mixture of hand sewn clothing, beautiful beadwork, handcrafted jewellery, rare objets d'art and as well as crafts and examples of African design nature. The many items of sculpture, weaving and even cloth dyeing reflects the historical and contemporary African mood. Examples of arts and crafts from every corner of the continent include soapstone carvings, woven reed works, innovative wirework creations as well as replicas of the weapons, shields and war masks of old.
The handcrafters work in media as varied as ceramics, textile treatments, leather, bead, metal and wirework, jewellery, items from recycled material and more. Products include the utilitarian handpainted crockery, linen, jewellery, and handbags to the purely decorative objets d'art.
Moving further afield, at the picturesque town of Barrydale, "Oom Lotie se Winkel" (Uncle Lotie's Shop) is a treat for old colonial period curiosity seekers. Here you'll find all manner of memories from days gone by from yellowwood antiquities to pewter statuettes reflecting scenes from South Africa's Afrikaner past.
For fine home grown country bounty visit the region's many country markets where the broadest range of the freshest produce as well as the most delicious homemade country fare can be found at the very best prices. The local tourism office in every town will advise you as to where to find the nearest market. Treat yourself or your friends back home to unique handcrafted gifts for your kitchen, livingroom, bedroom or garden.
Source: Cape Town Tourism
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