A proud and identity-driven people, who have long fought to preserve their culture, they still manage to keep their ancestral traditions alive more than ever, through age-old customs and traditions, including a craftsmanship handed down from generation to generation, perhaps among the most authentic and varied in Southern Africa.
The regions of Ezulwini and Malkerns Valley, a little south of the capital Mbabane, are the cradle of Swazi art and handicrafts, and therefore particularly popular with international tourism.
It’s a universe of cultural centres and workshops of handicrafts, but also of Swazi traditions in general, is among the most interesting and characteristic in Africa, for a people and nation in miniature.
The Mantenga Cultural Village, opens in a forested nature area in the Ezulwini Valley, which is home to an authentic ‘beehive’ village of woven huts, the Swazi Cultural Village, where part of its interest is complemented by the constant organisation of exhibitions of local arts and crafts, with performances of typical Sibhaca dances and the possibility of excursions in the surrounding area, in search of primates, gazelles and numerous bird species flying over the imposing Mantenga Falls.
A few kilometres further south, along a scenic road of enchanting beauty, one arrives at the green and fertile lands of the Malkerns Valley, dotted with characteristic villages and handicraft workshops, often also exhibited among the pleasant accommodation lodges of the area, full of charm and equipped with all comforts. An interesting mix of traditional local life, divided between agricultural fields and traditional villages, tourist accommodation facilities that are among the best in the country and authentic natural landscapes, characterise the region’s unmistakable atmosphere. The added value is undoubtedly that of being in the heart of traditional Swazi artistic production.
Renowned throughout Southern Africa as one of the main craft centres is Swazi Candles, where the famous Eswatini wax sculptures are produced and sold. Candles of all shapes and forms, true artistic sculptures, shaped by the most skilled local artisans, but also baskets and straw mats, magnificent batik textiles or splendid clay utensils, made by the women’s cooperatives in the region.
A must-see in the panorama of Swazi artistic creation, however, is to be found in Ngwenya, a small town on the north-western border with South Africa, internationally renowned for its handicraft factory that forges magnificent blown glass creations, rigorously recycled and brought to life in imaginative utensils, decorative or artistic artefacts.
In short, between safaris, sacred ceremonies and traditional dances, nature and ethnographic treks, you will be spoilt for choice in Eswatini when it comes to souvenirs to buy.
