As in all of Vanuatu Locally made Handicrafts are made from natural products from the environment. Handwoven baskets and mats, small bamboo pan pipes, dyed feathers and fans, natural coloured and bright coloured grass skirts are among the most common and well practised handicrafts in the Tafea Province. Futuna is particularly famous for its tightly woven bags in natural colours from the pandanus palms.
With the rise in tourism and skill development training we are seeing lovely new handcrafted pieces being made in Tanna such as; earings and necklaces from shells, carved wood and volcanic stone statues, local paintings on bark, postcards and cards by local artists.
A Handicraft Centre is currently being set up in the Tafea Corp. complex, where locally handmade handicrafts can be purchased and ordered. Also the local market at Lenakel on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday's sells baskets and brightly dyed feathers used in the local ceremonies.
Please check your countries customs website to ensure that you are able to carry back what you purchase. But you will find that most handicrafts made now are following national customs standards from Australia and New Zealand. If you would like to make sure you can arrange to have them quarantined and certified in Port Vila at the airport before you leave Vanuatu.
What a great way to bring home a small reminder of your Vanuatu holiday than with some local souvenirs! You are also helping to support local families (please be wary of purchasing chinese made souvenirs as this doesn't support the local handicraft businesses in Vanuatu).
Check out the Lenakel Fresh Produce Market which also sells some baskets and bags, grass mats and accessories.
