Local craftsmanship
Most handicrafts in Malawi are made locally from natural or recycled materials. A number of cooperatives in the country offer the opportunity to make ethical purchases that showcase the craftsmen's ancestral know-how while guaranteeing them a fair wage. Although Malawian craftsmanship remains modest, it is particularly meticulous: colorful, printed fabrics such as the famous chitenje loincloth are very popular and can be transformed into clothing, accessories or home decorations. Batiks featuring warmly colored ethnic motifs are of exceptional quality, the result of meticulous craftsmanship and the exclusive use of natural pigments (flowers, seeds, etc.). Malawian craftsmen are also renowned for their wood carvings depicting animals, human figures or abstract motifs. Woodcarving is, however, criticized by environmentalists who urge shoppers to curb their desire to buy, as the trees most prized by carvers for the quality of their wood (Pericopsis angolensis, Mozambique ebony...) are rare or have become rare. Wicker or woven straw baskets, perfect for storing objects or for decorative purposes, are also part of the traditional craftsmanship. One of the most beautiful objects to bring back from a trip to Malawi is the rattan cane chair. These magnificent chairs are made from the perennial grass that grows in swamps all over the country. You can even have one custom-made with unique designs by master craftsmen using ancestral weaving techniques. Authentic and made from sustainable raw materials, they're well thought-out and easy to repair. You'll pay much less for them in Malawi than elsewhere.
Teas
Introduced to Malawi at the end of the 19th century by Scottish missionaries, tea has made a name for itself thanks to the emergence of exceptional vintages produced in small quantities. In the highlands of the Shire, in the south of the country, you'll find perfectly tended plantations, including those of Satemwa, one of the last independent farms organized as a cooperative. It offers a wide variety of high quality teas (semi-oxidized, green, white, fermented, smoked, carved) from fair trade, ensuring a fair income for the workers who harvest and manufacture the tea.
Jewelry
Handcrafted jewelry with colorful beads is very popular in Malawi. You'll find superb necklaces as well as unique bracelets and earrings that reflect the creativity of local artisans.
Dugout
This is perhaps the most original, but also the bulkiest and most expensive item to bring back from Malawi. If you're on a budget (and have a large apartment), try buying a dugout. This dugout, made from a hollow tree trunk, is the emblem of Malawi.
