The Art of Handcrafted Decor

African craftsmanship is renowned for its intricate artistry, rich history, and the deep cultural significance embedded in each piece. From hand-carved sculptures to vibrant woven rugs, African crafts bring a unique blend of tradition, color, and texture to any home. For those living in Australia and looking to incorporate authentic African decor into their spaces, the task of finding genuine pieces can feel daunting. However, with an increasing number of local stores and online marketplaces now offering African crafts, sourcing these beautiful items has never been easier.

Here’s your ultimate guide to discovering where to buy authentic African handcrafted decor in Australia, helping you bring culture, history, and elegance into your home.

1. Local African Art and Craft Stores in Australia

Across major cities in Australia, you’ll find specialty stores that offer a carefully curated selection of African art and decor. These stores focus on bringing unique, handmade items straight from the continent, often working directly with artisans to ensure authenticity.

Where to Look:

• African Stores (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane): Many cities now host dedicated African stores, such as African Stores, which specialize in authentic African goods, ranging from masks and sculptures to woven baskets and textiles. By shopping at these physical stores, you can directly engage with the owner or the artisans, gaining a deeper understanding of the origins and cultural significance of the items.
• Indigenous & African Art Galleries: Several art galleries in Australia specialize in showcasing African and Indigenous artworks. These galleries may feature handcrafted decor pieces alongside larger art collections, offering a one-stop shop for beautiful African crafts.
• Markets and Craft Fairs: Visiting local markets, such as the Eveleigh Markets (Sydney) or the Queen Victoria Market (Melbourne), can be a great way to find authentic African crafts. Many African artisans and vendors set up shop at these events, offering a variety of handwoven textiles, ceramics, and wood carvings. Be sure to ask about the origins of the pieces to ensure you’re purchasing authentic items.

2. Online Marketplaces for African Handcrafted Decor

Online shopping has made it possible to access a wider array of African decor, allowing you to shop from the comfort of your home. Many websites and online marketplaces specialize in offering genuine African crafts and work directly with artisans to ensure fair trade and authenticity.

Top Online Platforms to Explore:

• Etsy: Etsy is one of the best places to find authentic handcrafted African decor. Many sellers on the platform offer beautiful hand-carved sculptures, woven baskets, African fabric, and more. By shopping from local or international sellers with good reviews, you can discover high-quality, unique pieces. You can also directly communicate with the artisans to learn more about their processes and cultural significance.
• African Furniture and Decor (AFD): Specializing in contemporary and traditional African furniture and decor, African Furniture and Decor (AFD) is a trusted online marketplace for Australian customers seeking genuine African crafts. They offer a wide range of products from hand-carved wooden sculptures to woven textiles, providing an authentic connection to African artistry.
• The African Market: This online store offers a curated selection of African goods, from wall art and sculptures to handcrafted lighting and textiles. Many of their products are ethically sourced, and they work directly with African artisans to bring their creations to international markets.

3. Fair Trade Organizations and Ethical Shopping Platforms

For those interested in supporting African artisans through fair trade practices, there are several organizations that focus on sourcing authentic, ethically made African decor. These organizations ensure that artisans are paid fairly for their work and that the materials used are sustainably sourced.

Where to Shop:

• Oxfam Australia: Oxfam is a globally recognized organization that offers handcrafted goods from around the world, including Africa. Their online store features a range of authentic African decor items such as handwoven baskets, beadwork, and textiles. Purchasing through Oxfam ensures that your money goes directly to supporting the communities that make these beautiful items.
• Ten Thousand Villages: An ethical shopping platform with a focus on handmade goods from artisans in developing countries, including Africa. They offer an impressive range of African home decor, from woven rugs and baskets to hand-painted pottery and wood carvings. Ten Thousand Villages ensures that all artisans are paid a fair wage for their work, making it a great option for conscious consumers.
• The Little Market: This fair trade marketplace offers a curated selection of African decor, handmade by artisans in countries like Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia. By shopping at The Little Market, you can be assured that you’re purchasing high-quality, ethically made items, from wall hangings to woven textiles.

4. Australian Importers and Wholesalers

Several Australian businesses specialize in importing African goods, including home decor and accessories, from the continent. These businesses often work directly with African artisans or local craftspeople, ensuring that the pieces they offer are not only authentic but also ethically sourced.

Recommended Australian Retailers:

• The African Art Gallery: Based in Melbourne, this gallery and online store provides a wide selection of African decor, ranging from sculptures and masks to jewelry and textiles. They have built strong relationships with artisans across Africa, ensuring authenticity and quality.
• African Imports: Specializing in African home decor and gifts, African Imports offers unique pieces such as hand-carved wooden statues, woven rugs, baskets, and more. This retailer works closely with artisans from West and Southern Africa, providing a platform for their crafts to reach Australian homes.
• Global Village Imports: With a focus on handcrafted goods from around the world, including Africa, Global Village Imports offers a beautiful selection of African sculptures, textiles, and woven baskets. They emphasize sustainable and ethical practices, ensuring that their items are made with respect for cultural traditions and the environment.

5. Things to Keep in Mind When Buying African Handcrafted Decor

• Research the Artisanal Process: To ensure you’re buying authentic African decor, learn about the materials, techniques, and cultural significance behind each piece. Authentic African crafts often carry stories, symbolism, and histories that enrich their value.
• Ask About the Source: Whether you're shopping in-store or online, don't hesitate to ask sellers about where their goods are sourced from. Reliable sellers will be transparent about their relationships with artisans and the methods used to create the items.
• Support Ethical Practices: Opt for sellers and stores that follow fair trade principles, ensuring that artisans receive fair compensation for their work and that the materials are ethically sourced.

Incorporating authentic African handcrafted decor into your home is a beautiful way to celebrate the continent's rich cultural heritage and artistry. From hand-carved sculptures to woven baskets and textiles, there are a variety of ways to bring African-inspired pieces into your space. Whether shopping from local stores, online marketplaces, or ethical platforms, you can find high-quality, genuine African decor that adds a unique cultural flair to your home while supporting artisans from across the continent. With the growing availability of these beautiful crafts in Australia, it's easier than ever to embrace the artistry and vibrancy of Africa in your living space.

About the Authors

Ire Ayatunji