Shopping in Ethiopia
It is better to check with government authorities or the National Museum before purchasing antiques (including Ethiopian crosses) or animal skins. Amber, biblical-story pictures, wood carvings, silver, coffee, original uniforms of Haile Selassie’s army, tribal daggers, leather shields and local handicrafts. You can visit the Ethiopian Handicraft School in Addis to see craftsmen making handicrafts. Beware of some old coins: Millions of Austrian Maria Theresa thalers, all minted with a date of 1780, were produced by the Italians for use during their occupation of Ethiopia between 1935 and 1937 – the 1780 date was never changed because Ethiopians would not accept coins with even minor changes. These are generally worth less than US$10.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-12:30 pm and 3:30-7:30 pm. Local variations are likely.
Related Travel Information
Ethiopia : General Information
Ethiopia is a land of enormous ethnic diversity, with people of Semitic, Hamitic, Nilotic and Omotic stock. There are more than 80 ethnic groups and as many languages. In terms of religion, Christians and Muslims make up approximately 40% of the population each (Christians being slightly more preponderant), the remaining 20% animists and others.
Ethiopia is just about the only country in Africa never to have been colonised, and its people have a proud tradition of fighting for their independence. The pride is justified. Ethiopia is home not only to nearly a hundred different tribes, each with its
Ethiopia : History
There is a growing consensus among archeologists and anthropologists that the human species originated in Ethiopia. In 1994 the oldest human remains ever discovered, the 4.4 million old bones of Homo Ramidus Afarensis, were found in Ethiopia’s Afar region - the previous record was held by "Lucy" or "Dinkinish" (Amharic for "wonderful"), who at 3.4 million years was a relative youngster.
Ethiopia has extensive historic sites, particularly in the north of the country, where the visitor can see constructions dating from the first millennium BC, the stelae and tombs of the Axumite kings, rock hewn churches dating from
Ethiopia Travel Tips
Do take along a coat and tie, as they may be needed for the good restaurants. Address people by using Mr. Mrs. or Miss preceding their first name. Don't take pictures of military installations, airports, bridges, etc. and ask permission before taking photographs of people. Don't give money to beggars; the local children may quit school to earn. You can expect beggars to thrust their hands inside your taxi if a window is open. There's not much you can do about it, however: Beggars have already removed the hand cranks used to raise and lower windows on most
Harar
The old walled city of Harar used to be strictly off limits for non muslims. It was one of the most holy cities of the country. This place is a walled city which stands on the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley and is the provincial capital of Ethiopia's largest administrative region, Hararge. Harar was a fiercely religious city and was a forbidden city (closed to visitors), until 1887 when Menelik restored central rule. With its 999 mosques, including the 16th century Grand Mosque with is beautiful twin towers and slender minaret, it is considered to be the fourth
Shopping in Cameroon
Cameroon is a main center of African wood sculpture. You can shop for masks and other wood carvings. This place is also fabous for masks with galss beads. If you're interested in buying African sculpture, first visit a museum with an African collection or get a library book about African art to familiarize yourself with what's available. Don't be fooled into thinking you're getting an original art treasure, Salesmen in Cameroon are very smart: Everything is an imitation of objects once used in traditional ceremonies. (That doesn't mean you shouldn't consider purchasing what's available - many of today's
