Makonde & Tinga Tinga

Meet woodcarvers and painters; optional mini-workshop.

1–2h Easy Family-friendly
From
$15
per person

Highlights

Live demonstrations: carving & Tinga Tinga painting
Optional mini-workshop (paint or simple carving)
Meet artists in their studios; ethical, direct purchases
Great for families and creative travelers
Art Culture Workshop Fair trade
From
$15
Enquire

Go behind the scenes with Makonde woodcarvers and Tinga Tinga painters in Mto wa Mbu. Watch master carvers shape figures and masks from locally sourced hardwoods, learn about classic styles like ‘shetani’, and see how vibrant Tinga Tinga animal scenes are built up in bold layers. There’s time to ask questions, photograph the process (with permission), and try a short, beginner-friendly mini-workshop—paint a small motif or practice a simple carving stroke. Purchasing is completely optional, and payments go directly to the artists.

  1. Meet at the market or studio area in Mto wa Mbu; short brief on etiquette & safety.
  2. Makonde carving studio: tool overview, styles (e.g., masks, ‘shetani’ figures), Q&A.
  3. Hands-on moment: try a guided, safe carving stroke on a practice block (optional).
  4. Walk/transfer to a Tinga Tinga studio: watch a piece progress; color & motif demo.
  5. Mini paint session: add a small motif/brushwork on a practice card (optional).
  6. Wrap-up with time for photos and fair, direct purchases; return to base or continue exploring.

Included

  • Local guide/interpreter
  • Studio access & coordination
  • Mini-workshop materials for the paint segment
  • Basic protective gear (apron/gloves) for mini-sessions

Not Included

  • Personal purchases & shipping costs
  • Drinks/snacks
  • Transport (walking, tuktuk, bicycle or your safari Jeep available on request)
  • Tips
  • Ask before close-up portraits; some pieces may be commissioned or in progress.
  • Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a paint smudge on.
  • Mini-workshop is short and beginner-friendly; full classes can be arranged on request.
  • Not every artisan is present every hour—studio order may vary slightly day-to-day.

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Meeting Point

Mto wa Mbu town center — exact point shared in confirmation.

FAQs

No. Purchasing is optional. If you do, you’ll pay the artist directly at fair local prices.

Yes with permission — especially for close-ups or commissioned works. Your guide will help with etiquette.

Yes. Painting is great for kids. Any carving demo is supervised and kept brief and safe.

Ready to plan Makonde & Tinga Tinga?

Tell us your preferred time and we’ll tailor the experience.

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