Gallery: Africa on display
Everywhere you walk, every place you go is full of art, explicit or hidden! If you can see them, you will be the richest art collector and your memory will be the richest art gallery!
Mehmet Murat Ildan, Turkish playwright
How true is that! And if you carry a camera, I contend, you are more likely to see that hidden art.
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
Edgar Degas
For this week’s Lens Artists challenge, set by Ann Christine on the theme of ‘On display’, I want to take you to Africa, and to the colourful displays of various crafts for sale in Marrakesh, Cape Verde, Senegal and Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). From textiles to baskets, lanterns to slippers to spices. In the souks, in the markets and beside the roads. It’s a shopper’s paradise, yes, but also a photographer’s. And look at the money you save if you bring these home as images rather than the actual goods! Having said that, I can rarely resist just one purchase: a small lamp from Marrakesh, a bracelet of wooden beads from Senegal, and just once, a large throw from Morocco … But most of my ‘riches’ are in my photo archive and my memories.
And with so many textures, in the baskets, carpets, lamps and more, I just have to double-dip with Terri’s Sunday Stills’ ‘Textures‘ theme!
Basket display on a market stall in Ngueniene, Senegal
[the similar ones in my feature photo are from Marrakesh]
Baskets displayed for sale at our hotel in Sal, Cape Verde
Baskets for sale in the Djemaa el Fna, Marrakesh
Leather slippers in a Marrakesh souk
Spices on display in a Marrakesh souk
Still in Marrakesh, lamps for sale in the Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid
And in one of the souks
Tagines for sale in Marrakesh – strictly for display only, not suitable for cooking
Pottery display on a market stall in Ngueniene, Senegal
Display at a souvenir stall in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Display of bags and scarves outside a shop in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Fabrics displayed outside a shop in Sal, Cape Verde
Part of the same display in Sal, Cape Verde
[‘No stress’ is something of a motto for the islands]
A display of T-shirts outside a shop in Sal, Cape Verde
Rugs for sale displayed outside a house in the Ourika Valley, Morocco
The display outside a carpet warehouse on the road between Marrakesh and Essaouira
Rugs hanging in the Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid, Marrakesh
I visited Marrakesh in 2009 and 2016, Senegal in 2016, Cape Verde in 2018 and Botswana also in 2018
77 Comments
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Marie
I love colour and I love baskets ..so …colourful baskets… perfect! Problem is having to choose only one!
Sarah Wilkie
Oh yes, I understand that dilemma perfectly! And I wonder if they’d look quite so wonderful if you had only one?!
Marie
No they don’t!! It’s all about the display isn’t it!! Sure even a shop mannequin wearing 2 or 3 scarves together… looks gorgeous but one on its own ..
equinoxio21
Africa is many things. Colours is one of its many dimensions…
Well done.
Sarah Wilkie
Indeed, just one of them – but such a draw for photographers!
equinoxio21
I was raised in Africa, as you may already know. Even got my first job over there after College. Been a while since I’ve been there. Not sure I’ll ever go back…
Sarah Wilkie
Really? We love visiting – in fact, we’re going again in three days time! Madagascar 😀
equinoxio21
Madagascar? I had several school friends who’d lived there. Enjoy your trip.
PR
I think I will go crazy there – in resisting my shopping urges 😂. They remind me so much of the markets of my own country India – different but as vibrantly colorful and beautiful things!
Sarah Wilkie
Ah yes, I know what you mean – such vibrant colours used in the crafts of both regions 😀
Egídio
What a beautiful selection of baskets, slippers, and more! Great gallery, Sarah.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you, glad you like them 😀
Alison
I always love your galleries Sarah, you have such a good eye to capture the ordinary and make it extraordinary. All so apt for both challenges
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Alison 😊
philosophy through photography
Superb examples.
Featured image is my fav.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you – that’s one of my favourites too, which is why I featured it!
philosophy through photography
👍👍👍
Amy
Excellent displays, Sarah! Love the colors, texture,… are all showing beautifully through you photos.
Love these baskets especially. 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Amy. The baskets seem to be favourites here!
carabeinsplash
Wow! What a feast for the eyes! I loved the baskets and all the color in general!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you – I guess you could say much of Africa is a feast for the eyes 😀
Tina Schell
Well Sarah, you’re a wonderful photographer and have been all over the world. I’ve enjoyed many of your posts. But this is my very favorite. The colors are wonderful and all beautifully displayed. Superb!!
Sarah Wilkie
Aw, thanks so much Tina 😊 I’m always happy to share my travels but it’s wonderful to get such lovely feedback!
rkrontheroad
These are all wonderful! The Moroccan shoes struck me the most, perhaps because it’s such a surprising find.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you again Ruth 😀 Those slippers are actually pretty common in the Marrakesh souks, I think they’re popular souvenirs although I’ve never been tempted (I did however once buy a bright pink leather handbag there!)
susurrus
I enjoyed this vibrant collection. I’m glad you explained ‘No Stress’ – that was puzzling me.
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, I thought that might puzzle anyone who spotted it – I was curious about it when I first noticed it on everything there! Glad you enjoyed the vibrancy 😀
SoyBend
A rainbow of a post, Sarah! 🌈 I especially liked the basket’s texture and color.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Siobhan 😊 Yes, I can imagine you would especially like the baskets!
Suzanne@PictureRetirement
Sarah, the slippers look like baby bird beaks all tipped up, begging for food. Or, perhaps painted Mussels shells….
Sarah Wilkie
Oh, I see what you mean, especially about the beaks!
thehungrytravellers.blog
Our house is so full of this stuff, I can almost smell the incense looking at these photos!
Sarah Wilkie
Haha, my husband would tell you ours is full too, although I usually manage to squeeze at least one more thing in from each trip 😀
grandmisadventures
I really love those pops of color in everything- so vibrant and pretty 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you, glad you like them!
Wetravelhappy
Ah such a colourful post Sarah! 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you 😊
wetanddustyroads
Such a colourful post – love it! We have almost a similar basket to those in your photo taken in Cape Verde – seeing how they make it just makes me appreciate it more. Oh, and how lovely are the bags at Victoria Falls. It’s indeed hard to walk away without buying at least one item 😉.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed these 🙂 Yes, if you get the chance to see craftspeople at work you can appreciate the items even more!
Anonymous
Stunning photos, Sarah. What an amazing post!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you 😊 Please do tell me who you are, I’d love to thank you by name!
margaret21
Oh how fabulous. And I’m not going to pick a favourite. How could I?
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks Margaret 🙂 There’s never an obligation to pick favourites, but personally I’m partial to the Moroccan rugs and lamps!
margaret21
Well, quite. But everything else too!
norasphotos4u
I love how colorful everything is
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, the colours in Africa are so vibrant!
Heyjude
Wow! These are so colourful! Love the baskets especially.
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Jude – yes, the baskets are very pretty! How are you doing?
Heyjude
Up and down. I miss him dreadfully, as we were in constant touch.
Sarah Wilkie
Hugs 🤗🤗
Heyjude
Thanks Sarah.
JohnRH
GREAT colors. Love it!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you John 😀
restlessjo
Impossible not to smile at the colours and craftsmanship, Sarah. They’re a resourceful lot, Africans, aren’t they?
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, there’s a real tradition of craftmanship there and of using bright colours 🙂
restlessjo
🤗❤️
Leya
Yes, a photographer’s Paradise these – love all your colours and textures on display! I have a soft spot for hats and baskets though. Your photos are very deliciously made, and tempting is the least… But, as you say, I too prefer taking home the photos. (I have too many plants…no space left). Thank you for your great splashes!
Sarah Wilkie
Glad you enjoyed them Ann Christine, and thank you for the inspiration of the challenge theme 😀
Mike and Kellye Hefner
Beautiful colors and textures and you captured them so perfectly, Sarah! It would be so hard to pass up some of the items when shopping in those wonderful destinations.
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Kellye – yes, hard to pass up sometimes (and occasionally I succumb) but I think quite often it’s the case that they look far better in their home country and among so many other colourful items than they word in our suburban London home 😀
Wind Kisses
I was wondering what you were going to treat us with this week. I love that your bring photos home-for ALL of us to enjoy. I loved the bright colors and the presentations. And texture, galore!!! very nice.
Sarah Wilkie
I was wondering that too, for a while 😆 Thank you Donna – it’s a pleasure to share these with you all!
Wind Kisses
hahaha. Always the best Sarah.
Anne Sandler
Wow Sarah, I just loved all the colors. How could you avoid not bringing home everything! Beautiful!!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Anne 😀 How could I avoid not bringing home everything? Three reasons – one the size of my suitcase, one the size of my house and one the size of my budget! Far better on all counts to just (mainly!) bring photos 🙂
Terri Webster Schrandt
Wow, Sarah, that opening shot really says “texture!” Wonderful textures on display! I can’t imagine anything would sell without all the textures these wares show. Beautiful, and glad you could double dip this week 🙂
Sarah Wilkie
Thanks so much Terri 😊 Yes, the textures of the baskets are particularly evident. I wished I’d had some close-ups of the carpets to show off their textures too!
Image Earth Travel
Love all of the vibrant colours! Thank you for bringing back the great memories.
Sarah Wilkie
Glad you enjoyed the colours and the memories they evoked 😀
Image Earth Travel
I love Africa’s basket weaving and Moroccos gorgeous rugs. Although my preferred medium is B&W when taking photos, I still love vibrant colours.
justbluedutch
You captured it very well Sarah!
The colors and diversity is well suited in your photos. I watched each photos until the end and imagine myself in your shoes admiring these goods and works of art. Whenever we go, I always wanted to see the local shops and artisan vendors who showcase their handmade crafts–I loved them. I admire the hardworking hands that create every little thing that they sell.
Many times I don´t buy them but I´ve got to know the local culture through them.These colors are beautiful!
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you so much 😊 You’re so right, by visiting local craftspeople and seeing what they produce, we get an insight into the culture of a place!
TheRamblingWombat
Stunning colours Sarah
Sarah Wilkie
Thank you Albert 😀
Rose
Wow! So many bright colors and gorgeous textures! As you say, a photographer’s paradise!
Sarah Wilkie
I love all the colours of Africa!