Gift Ideas from South Africa

Are you looking for gift ideas to give to friends on your return from South Africa or gifts with a traditional African theme? There are a number of different ideas that you may choose to give and the advantage with these gifts is that most are handmade and therefore no two products will be alike.

South African Beadwork

Beadwork is a popular choice of gift from South Africa and can include anything from beaded key-rings to beaded bowls, ornaments and other items. Beads have long been used in the African tradition and amongst the Zulu people were also used as a means of communication.

South African Art

Artwork from South Africa including both paintings as well as sculptures and other artwork is another popular choice. Pictures of women walking with pots on their heads or tribal warriors are commonly associated with South Africa and can be used in any room where you want an African-inspired theme. South African art may come as prints, originals, or made into cards, etc.

Wirework

Wirework, although not part of the traditional African heritage, has become very popular in Africa today and you can get many different items done in wirework and often you will find items that contain a mixture of both wirework and beading. Wirework decorative motorcycles and bicycles are quite common amongst wirework from this region and show the western influence in this nation.

African Prints

African prints such as the Big 5 animals and South African flora and fauna can be made into clothing, kitchen items and other fabric items with an African-inspired theme.

Why South African Gifts?

The advantage of these gifts is that most of them are unique, each handcrafted individually by the artist; this of course, does not however apply to fabrics or art prints. Another advantage of buying South African gifts is that you help to support people who are often in extreme poverty and use these as a means of supporting their families. To many people the ethnic appeal is also a strong reason for their purchase.

Source : Ezinearticles