Bushman and Himba crafts
It consists mainly of hunting equipment (bows, arrows and quivers, leather bags adorned with colorful beads), jewelry (beads and ostrich eggshells) and a few wooden sculptures of animals. Magnificent Himba iron bead pendants and bracelets are sold in some souvenir stores. Although prices may seem high, the jewelry is often authentic and of high quality.
Precious stones
Known the world over for its diamonds, Namibia also offers cut gemstones. These can be found in specialist 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, make sure you have a certificate of origin!
Tapestry and weaving
Nama women are renowned for their traditional multicolored patchwork textiles, which they use to make clothes. Today, their weaving is used to make pretty tablecloths or bedspreads depicting animals, or some of Namibia's traditional villages. Karakul sheep's wool is also used to make thick, high-quality carpets and tapestries, using a very old, traditional weaving technique.
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. You can meet them in the small markets of the Zambezi, or by taking the B8 road northwards. They are usually to be found along the roadside, within a 50 km radius of the towns of Rundu and Katima Mulilo. You'll find decorative objects such as furniture, statues, bowls and spoons, musical instruments and a few children's toys.
Basketry and embroidery
Caprivians make pottery and basketry. They are also very much in evidence among the Owambo. Traditionally made by women for agricultural use, palm-leaf baskets are of high quality. They come in different color variations and their zigzag shapes make them quite interesting design objects.
Biltong and other local flavors
The excellent biltong is made from different types of meat (kudu, elk or springbok), is bought by weight, is sliced and can be vacuum-packed to retain 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.
