MAASAI MARKET

Maasai market; the only market where you’ll buy products straight from the producer.

I am a huge fan of artefacts. Beaded necklaces, wooden sculptures, batik wall hangings, shoes, soap stone carvings, sisal bags, kikois, textiles and a whole host of other exciting goods . Ok, the kikois and necklaces are for the woman in my dreams. Do not be shocked if you run into me in town carrying a kikoi and some really nice beaded necklaces. Neither are you allowed to ask me questions. Those I shall not answer!

WHERE DO I GET THEM?

Well, that’s my little secret. Okay. I’ll tell. But you cannot tell a soul. Deal? Maasai Market. Ladies, isn’t that the place where you go to have your heads set on fire? Chuckle.

That’s not the point though. But it’s the place I get all my wall hangings et al. At ridiculously affordable prices. I am not saying they are cheap; I haggle all the time

MAASAI MARKET

Contrary to popular opinion, the market does not have a permanent spot. It gets relocated from time to time. And here’s when and where to find them.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Other than beaded necklaces, wooden sculptures, batik wall hangings, shoes, soap stone carvings, sisal bags, kikois, and textiles you are likely to run into artistic alternatives of household item like candle holders, lamp shades, bowls, table clothes, spoons… you name it! Did you just read that out loud? Sigh.

The artisans on ground will basically whip up anything for you; either as you wait or at a later date as you agreed.

WHY MAASAI MARKET?

Because Maasai market bruh! I mean, where else will you get a lion carving at say half or two thirds of the price? Of course you’ll have to haggle a little but it’s worth the hustle.

In addition, the artisans at work are a sight to behold. I love watching ladies thread kiondos, and those gents clawing away at pieces of wood.

I kid you not; it is therapeutic! More so if you’ve spent the entire week holed up in an office or behind a wheel.

TIPS AND TRICKS?

1. Carry Kenyan currency with you. From the smallest denomination working your way up. Those ksh.20 and 50 will be the difference between a great deal and just a deal.
2. Never buy without bargaining. It is the unwritten law of trade. Whether you feel the price is fair or not, HAGGLE! So they quoted ksh. 700? Tell them you have ksh.350. Half the price is the marked haggle price. That’s not up for debate.
3. If haggling doesn’t work, pretend to walk away. Chances are the seller will call you back. If they do not, on to the next. This time armed with pricing information.
4. Take your time. There’s always a seller with better items and prices up the long lane of sellers.
5. If you are not conversant with the market, do not to fall into the trap of the “guide traders”. We call them “Brokers”. They will pretend to show you where you can close the best deal but in real sense they are working too. And the commission they get is at your expense. Worse still, they may be guiding their way into your pockets and purse.
6. Use Swahili. Use vernacular if you can! The sellers have the general assumption that if you cannot use Swahili you are loaded. The price they’ll quote when you use Swahili or any other language except English is way less than if you use the Queen’s language.
7. Have fun! You are spending your money, you might as well have a good time while at it.

So how about we go grab some wall hangings for the house and a pair of earrings for that special lady tomorrow? I am sure she’ll love those. See you there

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