[Ethiopian Souvenirs] Coffee and Traditional Handicrafts from Indigenous Tribes are Highly Recommended!
Ethiopia is a landlocked country located in East Africa. It is the oldest independent nation in Africa and a large country with a population of around 100 million. When it comes to Ethiopia, the fragrant Ethiopian coffee is especially famous, and there are specialty shops in the capital city, Addis Ababa. Be sure to try authentic Ethiopian coffee! In addition, colorful textiles and wooden carvings made by indigenous tribes are also popular.
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[Ethiopian Souvenirs] Coffee and Traditional Handicrafts from Indigenous Tribes are Highly Recommended!
1. Ethiopian Coffee
When it comes to Ethiopia’s specialty products, coffee is the most famous. Ethiopian coffee beans are said to have the best aroma in the world. Known for their strong fruity aroma and acidity with little bitterness, the beans from the Abyssinian Highlands are especially renowned. Many people love their fruity, jasmine-like fragrance.
You can buy coffee beans all over Ethiopia, but if you’re visiting Addis Ababa, you must stop by "Tomoca". Where you can truly taste the authentic flavor. The café is popular not only among tourists but also with the locals. They sell plenty of coffee beans, including small packs perfect as souvenirs!
2. Fabric Products
Traditional handicrafts also make great Ethiopian souvenirs! The vibrantly woven fabrics will surely remind you of Ethiopia’s beauty. Items like scarves, shawls, and mufflers are popular, along with intricately embroidered tablecloths and napkins. Small items like coasters are also highly recommended.
Handicrafts made by Ethiopia’s indigenous tribes can be found at markets and souvenir shops. About 30 minutes by car from Addis Ababa is the Shiromeda Market, where souvenir shops stretch for hundreds of meters selling traditional clothing and fabric products. It’s always bustling with tourists and locals, making it a perfect spot to buy handicrafts and souvenirs.
3. Animal-themed Crafts and Souvenirs
One of the most popular African-style souvenirs is wooden carvings. Figurines shaped like wild animals such as giraffes and zebras are especially popular. There are even items like rice paddles with giraffe patterns, making them perfect as travel souvenirs. Though it may seem difficult to bring wooden carvings back home without breaking them, these pieces are very popular as African-style interior decorations.
In particular, Churchill Road, the main street of Addis Ababa, is lined with souvenir shops! Besides wooden carvings, you’ll find leather bookmarks with wild animal paintings, paper cuttings of wildlife, paper knives, and many other items. You can even negotiate prices at the markets, so if you’re buying a lot, try bargaining. If you’re visiting Addis Ababa, don’t forget to check out these local crafts and souvenirs!
4. Ethiopian Cross
Ethiopia is the only country in Africa that maintained its independence, and Christianity, which was introduced in the 4th century, has been preserved as Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. Each church holds sacred relics called "Tabot," considered the most holy items in the church. The Ethiopian Cross is worn by many people as a protective charm of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Each region has its own distinct cross design, and the intricate and unique patterns have gained attention worldwide, especially in Europe. Crosses made 100 to 200 years ago are especially detailed and are highly valued as antiques. An Ethiopian Cross would make a meaningful souvenir from Ethiopia.
◎ Summary
Ethiopia offers plenty of African-style souvenirs. Wooden carvings of giraffes and zebras are recommended as gifts for yourself or family. Markets are also filled with a variety of handicrafts, making shopping enjoyable. If you visit Ethiopia for tourism or business, be sure to check out these local crafts and souvenirs!
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