You dream to travel to this destination for eco-tourism activities of mountain gorilla tracking, water expeditions, Virunga mountains hiking if you’re not going for our cultural experiences support our local artisan producers who make variety traditional crafts in the communities that traditionally inspired baskets, woven mats, gorilla walking sticks. Gorilla carvings, huts and table placemats in so doing this you will be empowering some of the producers around these areas.
About our handcrafts
The communities and villages around kisoro district have a rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship skills thereby engaging in various forms handcraft including making baskets, mats, gorilla carvings, hats, lampshades that hold the artistic value and social economic impact
Traditional handcrafts play important role in preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable livelihoods in the local communities as the artisans who inherit the skills continue to make quality products that reflect the area baskets
Handwoven Baskets
Our baskets are woven especially by the women artisan’s groups we are empowering around mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable national park, and they are produced typically from natural materials such as raffia palm leaves, banana fibers,
- The process of making these baskets involves intricate weaving techniques pass down through the generations.
- these baskets are used for various purposes, including storage, carrying goods, harvesting and even decorative pieces on traditional weddings, houses and more
Handwoven mats
- Mats are another traditional handcrafted product produced by the local people in these communities and are usually made from dried papyrus reeds, banana fibers,
- The artisans in the local communities skillfully weave these mats and also colored using the natural dyes.
- these mats can be used for sitting on, sleeping, or as floor coverings in homes and tourist accommodations
Gorilla carvings
The gorilla carvings are unique form of traditional handcraft in the local communities that reflect the areas proximity to the famous mountain gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable and mgahinga gorilla national parks homes to the endangered mountain gorillas
The local artisans especially the men and the youths intricate wooden sculptures depicting gorillas, showcasing their craftsmanship and connection to the wildlife that surrounds them
Woven hats and bags
The hats are traditional handcrafted in the local communities using the locally sourced sisals, fibers, or banana leaves and stylish local hats are handcrafted to provide protection from the sun for the locals especially elderly men
Handwoven lampshades
Lampshades demonstrate a traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design; artisans create lampshades using a variety of materials such as backcloth, bamboo, and fabrics and are intricate with patterns inspirited by nature and local motifs
They are used in hanging the bulbs and shade for too much light in accommodations, facilities