Leather African

Finding & incorporating Ethnic decor/African home decor into your space

African decor is in vogue. Many people love the beauty and authenticity of these as well as the awareness that the purchases help support African artisans (if obtained from the right source) .

Searching www.google.com using keywords such as african baskets, african sculptures, african paintings etc. is a common way of finding retailers that specialize in African home decor. However, it's best to select a vendor that is certified by an organization such as the Better Business Bureau. One such example is www.capeweaver.com which offers exceptional pieces, abides by fair trade principles and is BBB certified. Another option is to purchase these items from bazaars, trade fairs and dealers that specialize in ethnic decor products.

Selecting the right piece(s) requires a combination of heart and brains (i.e. emotions and rational thinking). Pick 1 or 2 items that "speak to you", limiting the number, ensures that you get an idea of how it fits into your existing decor. In addition, it's important to select pieces that are very well made and handcrafted in regions that are known for producing exceptional pieces. For example, Benin City, Nigeria is a center of excellence when it comes to wood/bronze sculptures and carvings. According to the University of Pennsylvania museum, "Nigeria’s Benin Kingdom was one of West Africa’s most powerful political states with artists and artisans unsurpassed on both the African and European continents"

Shopping for the right African home/ethnic home decor can be a fun experience. You will come across a wide variety of beautiful items that you will come across during your search.

In summary, to make the best of your experience:

• Select a trusted vendor - make sure you select a retailer that is BBB certified and reputable
• Heart matters - Pick pieces that speak to you
• Expertise matters - Select items that have been made in centers of excellence i.e. Benin (sculptures), Kano (leather), etc.

 

Have fun!

About the Author

Lara Junaid is a retail expert. She is the founder and President of Cape Weaver, LLC. Prior to Cape Weaver, she was a consultant at a prestigous consulting firm and has worked for Fortune 500 companies.

Leather African

Comments are closed.