Botswana Arts and Crafts

Botswana has a rich tradition of arts and crafts, with artisans creating a wide variety of handmade products that reflect the country's cultural heritage and natural beauty.

When visiting Botswana, you can explore local markets, craft villages, and artisan workshops to discover and purchase authentic handmade arts and crafts, supporting local artisans and preserving Botswana's cultural heritage.

Here are some of the arts and crafts you can explore and purchase while visiting Botswana:

1. Botswana Basketry

Basketry: Basket weaving is a traditional craft practiced by many ethnic groups in Botswana. Basketry is highly regarded for its intricate designs and skilled craftsmanship. Setswana baskets, known as "banaana ba Setswana," are woven from natural fibers such as ilala palm leaves and dyed with natural pigments. These baskets are often used for storage, serving food, or as decorative pieces.

2. Botswana Pottery

Pottery: Pottery-making is another traditional craft in Botswana, with artisans producing functional and decorative pottery using traditional techniques. Clay pots, bowls, and vases are handcrafted and decorated with intricate designs inspired by nature, animals, and geometric patterns. Many pottery items are used for cooking, serving food, and as household items.

3. Botswana Woodcarving

Woodcarving: Woodcarving is a popular craft in Botswana, with artisans carving intricate sculptures, masks, and decorative objects from indigenous woods such as ebony, teak, and mopane. Woodcarvings often depict animals, mythical creatures, and traditional motifs, reflecting Botswana's rich cultural heritage and wildlife.

4. Botswana Beadwork

Beadwork: Beadwork is a traditional art form practiced by various ethnic groups in Botswana, including the San (Basarwa) people. Beadwork is used to create jewelry, accessories, and decorative items such as necklaces, bracelets, and wall hangings. Beadwork often incorporates colorful glass beads, shells, and natural materials, with designs inspired by tribal symbols, animals, and geometric patterns.

5. Botswana Leatherwork

Leatherwork: Leather crafting is a traditional craft in Botswana, with artisans producing a range of leather goods, including bags, belts, shoes, and accessories. Leatherwork is often decorated with traditional motifs, embossing, and beadwork, reflecting the country's cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

6. Botswana Painting and Sculpture

Painting and Sculpture: Botswana is home to many talented artists who create paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media artworks inspired by the country's landscapes, wildlife, and cultural traditions. Contemporary artists often blend traditional techniques with modern styles and themes, creating unique and vibrant artworks that reflect Botswana's artistic diversity.

7. Botswana Textiles and Fabrics

Textiles and Fabrics: Textile weaving and fabric dyeing are traditional crafts practiced by some ethnic groups in Botswana. Traditional textiles are often woven from cotton or wool and dyed with natural plant-based dyes to create colorful patterns and designs. Textiles are used to make clothing, blankets, and decorative items.

8. Botswana Jewelry Making

Jewelry Making: Jewelry making is a popular craft in Botswana, with artisans creating unique and beautiful pieces using a variety of materials, including gold, silver, beads, and semi-precious stones. Traditional jewelry designs often feature symbolic motifs, tribal patterns, and natural elements inspired by Botswana's culture and environment.

9. Cultural Sensitivity in Botswana

Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid topics that may be considered taboo or offensive, such as politics, religion, or personal matters. When visiting rural communities or cultural sites, ask for permission before taking photographs and respect local customs and traditions.

10. Gratitude and Politeness in Botswana

Gratitude and Politeness: Expressing gratitude and using polite language are important aspects of cultural etiquette in Botswana. Say "thank you" (pula) and "please" (tswee-tswee) frequently, and show appreciation for the hospitality and kindness of others.

Botswana Electronic Visa

This is issued to people who intend to visit Botswana for recreational purposes, or for other short-term non work related purposes. This visa allows entry into Botswana for up to one (1) month and is extendable on justification. The applicant must not engage in any employment while on a tourism visa, or else the visa will be rendered invalid. Get Botswana Travel Visa