Nairobi 6 - Masai market

The handicrafts of Kenya are in sale through the Masai market. Group of artisans along with their hand work set up this sales at different places each day around Nairobi. You would want to buy everything that is showcased. Each product is a testamen to their wonderful talent. Colors are so fantastic and the mix and match of it makes you awestruck.

We happen to go to the Masai market at city hall. A huge ground made available that day of the week. Went around first to decide what to buy. It was one difficult choice as the work of art is so fantastic.

Main items were - masai beads and kazuri beads jewelry, beaded bowls and articles, basket bags, masks, batik art wall hangings, footwears in black sole and colourful straps, wooden articles, animal miniatures in ebony and soapnut, traditional blankets and stoles.

Bargaining is required to buy each item. At one point you need to give in to the artisans as they are fight it out to sell their art. Since most of the buyers are tourists rates told are at an high and have to be brought down by bargaining. On the hindsight, if there is no bargaining we might end up buying more items and energy levels at both sides will not go low. We made sure atleast they are happy/satisfied at the end of each purchase.

Finally while getting back to car realized our hands were full. And the very important question arises - how do we get these packed before the flight back. That said and done, Masai market visit and purchase was worth it. Gave a glimpse of African art and artisans and their strive to take forward the traditional art.

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