Bushman and Himba crafts
It consists mainly of hunting items (bows, arrows and quivers, leather bags decorated with colored beads), jewelry (beads and ostrich eggshells) and some wooden carvings of animals. Beautiful himba iron bead pendants and bracelets are sold in some souvenir stores. Although the prices seem high, the jewelry is often authentic and of high quality.
Precious stones
Known worldwide for its diamonds, Namibia also offers cut gems. These can be found in specialty stores in major cities: tourmaline, amethyst, aquamarine, topaz, but also polished or cut semi-precious stones and fossils. For those who succumb to the fascination of a diamond, be sure to have a certificate of origin!
Tapestry and weaving
Nama women are renowned for their traditional multicolored patchwork textiles that they use to make clothes. Their weaving is used today to make beautiful tablecloths or bedspreads with animals, or some traditional villages of Namibia. We also find the wool of karakul sheep with which are made, according to a very old artisanal weaving technique, thick rugs and tapestries of very good quality.
Woodworking
Wood is only harvested in the north of the country, in the Okavango and Zambezi regions, where it is worked and carved by craftsmen. They can be found either in the small markets in Zambezi or by taking the B8 road north. They are usually stationed along the roadside within 50 km of the towns of Rundu and Katima Mulilo. Decorative objects such as furniture, statues, bowls and large spoons, musical instruments and some children's toys are available.
Basketry and embroidery
The Caprivians make pottery and basketry. They are also very present among the Owambo. Traditionally made by women for agricultural use, the palm leaf baskets are of good quality. They have different color variations and their zigzag shapes make them quite interesting design objects.
Biltong and other local flavors
The excellent billtong is made of different types of meat (kudu, elk or springbok), it can be bought by weight, sliced and vacuum-packed to keep all its flavor. The more adventurous among you can bring back watermelon or mataku wine or walende, which resembles vodka in both taste and alcohol.
