What to Buy in Namibia

An ekipa is a traditional medallion that is worn by the women of the Ovamban tribe as a status symbol. It is made of indigenous materials, including vegetable ivory, the fruit of the makalani palm, and makes a unique souvenir. One can purchase locally produced items at the roadside at very reasonable prices.

There seems to be a large amount of mass-produced African curios, but one can find excellent woven mats and baskets, as well as the wooden airplanes and helicopters made in Kavanga. Gemstones and wool and leather products are of high quality and can often be made to order. In the north-east, San art can be purchased, including bows and arrows, leather pouches and jewellery made from ostrich egg beads, seeds and nuts.

Though native to Asia, Karakul sheep are raised in great numbers in Namibia. Karakul wool is smooth and extremely fine in quality, so karakul wool clothing is highly prized. If you're keen to buy karakul wool clothing, perhaps you should be aware that the wool is produced by skinning lambs that are less than three days old, and that the finest pelts, with the softest, tightest curls, are often obtained from unborn lamb foetuses (first slaying the pregnant ewe).

A slightly less controversial Namibian curio is the ubiquitous ostrich egg. These super-sized eggs are drained and painted (often in amazing detail) to make elegant ornaments. Alternatively, full eggs can be bought and used to make truly massive omelettes.

Non-organic curios include the crafted artefacts made in central and northern Namibia by Bushmen and the Himba group. Swakopmund has some good craft shops selling Himba-style jewellery, and the craft markets of Windhoek are definitely well worth a visit.

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