Tambakula Arts and Crafts Centre

Tambakula Arts and Crafts Centre Tambakula remains a hidden treasure of authentic Sierra Leone cultural icons, jewelry, clothing, statues, masks and more.

We are the first arts and crafts cooperative in Sierra Leone run by artisans and traders. Shopping at Tambakula is a particular pleasure because the traders have adopted a lay-back style of selling; it is one of the few, or perhaps only place you can go in Freetown to peruse the local arts and crafts without being bombarded with persuasion to buy this or that or just anything. The Tambakula shop s

ellers give you time to look around, ask if you need help, and will then go out of their way to find just the right item for a gift or to meet a business or personal need. And if one shop doesn’t have just the right thing, the owner is happy to suggest another seller who may have it. Their prices are fair and often cheaper than at other venues, and there are folks on hand to change any type of currency. As in many places in Sierra Leone, these women have stories of hardship, war-torn families, orphans, and extremely difficult living circumstances, but you won’t know it from their friendly welcome, easy-going manner, and true desire to enrich your visit to Freetown. And don’t be afraid to ask the history of a particular piece – they will be able to tell you in which part of the country the item is produced, by which tribe, what it is used for or what it represents – or if it is an original design they have made themselves. In walking distance from Family Kingdom, Mammy Yoko, Hotel Bintumani, Hotel Barmoi, Aces and the Sierra Lighthouse Hotel , Tambakula Arts and Crafts Center is the closest and best place to do your cultural shopping in Salone!

14/03/2017

We are back! We now have a temporary site on the corner where Lumley Beach road meets the roundabout, just outside Family Kingdom. Come by and visit us now!

Tambakula Arts and Crafts Cooperative is attracting interest in Sierra Leone far and wide. Here 2 university students i...
23/04/2016

Tambakula Arts and Crafts Cooperative is attracting interest in Sierra Leone far and wide. Here 2 university students in North Carolina, USA set up a sales event to promote beautiful Salone artisanship and the hardworking people of Tambakula!

While we wait to be granted a new location in Aberdeen, we are available to do arts and crafts fairs at your location, o...
10/01/2016

While we wait to be granted a new location in Aberdeen, we are available to do arts and crafts fairs at your location, or bring you a selection of items for purchase. Just call us and we'll be happy to arrange a day and time convenient for you!

Remember to come to the big Holiday Sale, tomorrow, Saturday, December 5th at the National Tourist Board right on Lumley...
04/12/2015

Remember to come to the big Holiday Sale, tomorrow, Saturday, December 5th at the National Tourist Board right on Lumley Beach, (next to the police station). We will be there from 11 to 2 pm!

20/10/2015

We are still awaiting word from the Tourism Board on what the next steps may be for our cooperative. Thank you for all your good wishes. If you would like to help, please contact the national Tourist Board at [email protected]. Let them know what a valuable tourist offering they have in Tambakula! If you would like to purchase cultural products, please call us and we will arrange to meet you.

Before: a vibrant tourist attraction, providing livelihoods for twenty families, and telling the story of Sierra Leone ...
28/08/2015

Before: a vibrant tourist attraction, providing livelihoods for twenty families, and telling the story of Sierra Leone to people from around the world.
After: ????

URGENT APPEAL!!! Tambakula Arts and Crafts Cooperative Society was removed from their long-time premises yesterday. Af...
25/08/2015

URGENT APPEAL!!! Tambakula Arts and Crafts Cooperative Society was removed from their long-time premises yesterday. After months of meetings with representatives from the Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism and others, and assurances that Tambakula would be allowed to stay, yesterday morning forces swept Aberdeen emptying ALL the shops. If you have enjoyed visiting Tambakula, bought items there, ordered plaques, clothes, masks and other cultural products, please post on our page. Please contact your friends and colleagues to do the same. We are asking the government to find us an alternative location, or to let us return to our little spot that has brought Sierra Leone culture and friendliness to people from all around the world. The livelihoods of more than 20 families are now at risk. Please let the authorities know that Tambakula brings tourists and is telling a good story about Swit Salone worldwide!

UNMASK Sierra Leone history and culture at Tambakula. Ask to hear the story of any mask, and learn more about the peopl...
06/08/2015

UNMASK Sierra Leone history and culture at Tambakula. Ask to hear the story of any mask, and learn more about the people and traditions of Sweet Salone.

06/08/2015
Perfect gifts for your precious babies, like Addie's dress and rattle. You can get dresses, outfits, children's instrum...
06/08/2015

Perfect gifts for your precious babies, like Addie's dress and rattle. You can get dresses, outfits, children's instruments and more for babies and children of all sizes.

12/12/2014

Heading out for the holidays? Come by and get beautiful, reasonably priced gifts with no hassle. New jewelry, bags and artifacts. We are across the street from the Radisson Blu, near the roundabout. See you soon!

New Africana at Tambakula. Bring back the best of Salone!
02/11/2014

New Africana at Tambakula. Bring back the best of Salone!

Address

Aberdeen, On The Corner Of Lumley Beach Road At The Roundabout (near Family Kingdom)
Freetown

Telephone

+23288994068

Website

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