There is a lack of interest and appreciation of art and crafts in Zambia eventhough industry is relatively well developed. I am one of the ignorant people. My father used to worked for the government at the Department of Culture Services and so his department promoted different kinds of art. He tried to educate me about art but I resisted.
Now that I live abroad it is kind of embarrassing when people ask me to give them information about Zambia art and I only have basic answers. But I am so glad that there is internet so I can easily google anything I want to find out about Zambia.
Craft work is often done seasonally to suppliment incomes of many families. It is readily accepted as a a recreational hobby than a profession.
Traditional Zambian art mainly consists pottery, wood curving and basket weaving. Other popular handicrafts are decorative ornaments and handmade jewelry from metals such as Malachite,copper or brass. Canvas pictures, reed mats bamboo chairs, table trucks and many more handicrafts have captured the market of international tourist.
I will be definately visiting museums when I visit home.
credit:http://www.zambia-the-african-safari.com/images/curiostalls%20new.jpg
