Bahia Mar is proud to showcase the extraordinary
talent of local artists and manufacturers in the gallery shop situated
in the hotels’ foyer.
Here
you can purchase craft, beauty products and food made exclusively in
Mozambique, utilising only locally sourced products, plants and
ingredients. In keeping with Bahia Mars’ philosophy - ‘protect,
preserve, recycle’, the items sold are made with sensitivity to the
environment and with consideration to sustainability.
Silver
Beautifully hand crafted
silver jewellery, created by skilled artisans on Ibo Island in northern
Mozambique, who learned their craft from early Arab traders, is always a
popular purchase. The delicate, filigree design of the unique pieces,
which cannot be found anywhere else in the world, is testimony to their
skill - a unique, affordable gift for someone special.
Recycling
Founded
in 2007, ALMA is a Tofo based company backed by concerned individuals
and businesses anxious about the increasing waste being generated in
this area of great natural beauty. Working with volunteers in
collaboration with the local Municipality, the company started with
small projects such as beach cleaning, however it has now developed into
a considerable recycling operation, generating craft from products many
consider trash. Pot mats made from recycled newspapers or capalana
covered bottle tops and place mats made from reclaimed crisp packets,
illustrate just a few of their unique items which are light to carry and
form a great talking point back home.
Beauty in bone
Astrid
Sulger is a Swiss born designer who now lives in Mozambique. She has
researched and written a book on the history of the Makonde people who
reside predominantly in northern Mozambique and Tanzania. These early
inhabitants are known for their exceptional skill in carving hard woods
and it was perhaps from this influence that Astrid created her
extraordinary jewellery made from cow horn. Astrid has trained many
local, previously unemployed, craftsmen and the company is now producing
and exporting pieces that are both individual and exceptional.
Ladies
Bags
made from colourful African prints and leather are the speciality of
Pirikito a Maputo based design house. The fabrics are made using the hot
wax method creating traditional designs, each one individual, unique
and carefully manufactured. A personal gift for a special lady.
Beauty
With
its focus on wellness and good health Bahia Mar was careful about the
skin and beauty products they sourced for the Gallery. Bom natural skin
and hair products are Mozambican made, utilising only natural oils and
plant extracts, rich in essential oils and minerals. With no added
preservatives or colourants, this luxury body line is a proud addition
to our gift range.
Snacks
Food
has not been forgotten and the Gallery stocks a select range which make
perfect gifts and mementos. Local coffee, honey, peri-peri, cashew
butter and flowers of the sea – a mineral rich, locally harvested salt,
along with dried fruit are easily transported back home, import
restrictions permitting!
A visit to our Gallery provides an insight into the ingenuity,
creativity and skills that are inherent in this beautiful country –
Mozambique. Supporting the artists and creators of the select products
that are stocked, helps to uplift, encourage and ensure the future of
these self-reliant and dedicated entrepreneurs.
#ResponsibleTourism #BahiaMarVilankulo #BahiaMarRetreats #FairTradeTourism
