Crafts of Seychelles

Reposing gracefully in the Indian Ocean, the verdant isles of Seychelles were uninhabited until recently. Consequently, they have no indigenous population and no great artistic or cultural tradition. However visitors can shop for locally made goods in the souvenir shops at popular tourist spots.

One of the most popular destinations in the Seychelles for viewing local crafts is The Craft Village. A former plantation, The Craft Village is a constellation of crafts stalls showcasing the Seychellois arts and crafts. Today, there are numerous NGOs like Atelye pour Apran Nouvo Artizana, in the country promoting art and crafts skills among the youth.

Shoppers can choose from wide selection of vividly patterned textiles – patchworks, bags, cushions, bedcovers, pillowcases, table mats, embroidery and crochets, all depicting the colourful images of Seychelles and its traditional  origin. Also exquisite batik clothing is available at local stores.

A good selection of indigenous handicrafts is on sale at Camion Hall (13) on Albert Street. On sale are decorative items made from discarded wood or pottery products like jugs, spoons, pots, bowls & cups, maquettes of souvenir tortoises, boats, fishes and coco de mer.

It is illegal to import shells, coral and tortoise shells sold in the Seychelles to countries signatory to the CITES Treaty (protection of rare animals). The souvenirs are likely to be confiscated and the bearer fined. Treat these things as protected and refrain from buying them. An exception could perhaps be simple jewellery made from plain shells in the traditional East African variety.

A collection of utility or decorative items made from discarded wood or pottery products such as jugs, spoons, pots, bowls, cups, maquettes of souvenir tortoises, boats, fishes, coco de mer and colourful birds of Seychelles.