Lubango – The production of artisanal pieces in Lubango, Huíla province, fell from an average of 60 to 20/month, due to weak demand and difficulties in accessing raw materials.

In statements today, Thursday, to ANGOP, the head of the Huíla crafts store, Kinavuidi Mbuta, highlighted that since 2020, when Covid-19 hit, object sales dropped significantly.

He made it known that the main buyers have been the Portuguese, Chinese, Namibians, South Africans and Brazilians, who they mainly acquire pieces such as mumuila and mucubal women, as well as beads, thinkers, masks, statues of Christ the King, paintings and elephants, whose prices range from two thousand to 350 thousand kwanzas.

The person responsible believes that the recent arrival of national and foreign tourists to the city of Lubango, due to the Festas of Nossa do Monte, sales may increase.

Regarding the acquisition of raw materials, he stated that it has been achieved, in addition to Lubango, in the provinces of Zaire, Cabinda, Luanda and Cuanza Sul, namely, ash, black wood and chestnut, which are also becoming scarce.

Concern was also expressed about the lack of support and opportunities for Huilano artists in financing credits for the growth and/or promotion of crafts, as well as encouraging young people to enter the world of craft production. About the store he runs, the only one of its kind in the city,

Kinavuidi Mbuta, pointed out the need for the Municipal Administration encourage the creation of other fixed or mobile points, as a way of expanding the dissemination of art.

Craftsmanship is recognized in areas such as jewelry, embroidery, ceramics, glass, plaster, mosaics, paintings, candles, soaps, sachets, various boxes, recycling, patchwork, metals, toys, arrangements, appliqués, as well as various techniques different types used to manufacture parts. JT/MS