Mercado Nacional de Artesianas
Alameda Araujo
Mercado Ex-Cuartel/ Calle Delgado
(all taxi drivers know these markets)
Nahanche
Two locations with beautiful high end handicrafts.
See their website for address and photos.
Nixapa (for export)
In the Galerias and Le Gran Via malls
Arte Maya Pipil (for export)
El Salvador is filled with small villages that produce their own unique style of handcrafts. While you can find many of these works in the capital, it cannot replicate the experience of visiting local artists in their home workshops.
The following towns are known for their specific type of craft. Several of them are on the recommended routes when sightseeing in the country. If you have the time to visit some of these towns, you will find prices almost half of what you would pay in San Salvador.
If you are limited to only a few days in the capital, here are some suggestions on buying indigenous handcrafts-
Gateway El Salvador
Artisan Handcrafts
Home
Varnishing
La Palma is known for its' decorative painting influenced by artist "Fernando Llort." La Palma has over 30 shops with a dizzying array of handicrafts to choose from.
Preparing the dyes
Weaving a blanket
A visit to San Sebastian is like stepping back in time. The weaving process is much the same as it was 200 years ago.
The workshops are open during the week where you can watch the weavers at their looms. Products vary from fabrics, hammocks, belts, purses, placemats, and tablecloths.
San Sebastian is known for their hammocks. You will find the prices much lower here than in the capital.
Ilobasco is a kaleidescope of color. The stores line the main street and you can easily spend several hours shopping. The town is famous for, "Sorpreses" which are tiny cone shaped objects that conceal a surprise when the lid if lifted. Every imaginable scene is available. Sorpreses have become so popular that the Museum of Popular Art in San Salvador has an exhibit devoted to Sorpresas. Artist Dominga Herrera brought even more notoriety to these tiny objects d'art by creating a line of couples engaged in heated passion. Because Sorpresas are so tiny, you'll want at least a dozen and they won't fill up your suitcase!
Textiles
La Palma
Decorative painting
Black Pottery
Fernando Llort
Almost everyone in Nahuizalco either makes basketry or furniture. Head over to CEDART at the northern end of town just across from the park. CEDART has two showrooms representing the various craftsmen. If you find something you like, they can direct you to the specific artist. You can even have items designed for you and shipped home.
Nahanche
Visit
La Palma
Guatajiagua/black pottery
Nahuizalco/basketry
San Sebastian/textiles
Ilobasco/ceramics
La Palma/painting
Visit Guatajiagua where the women are famous for their black pottery fired in wood-burning kilns. There is a CEDART office in town to direct you. Click on link for more info.
MAYAN GIFTS ARTESANIAS
Metro Centro Tel: 2261-0051
Centro Comercial Plaza Merlot Tel:
2294-4176/2229-1593
Centro Comercial Plaza Mundo Tel: 2227-3012
Centro Comercial Plaza Metropolis
Quality Hotel (airport) 2366-0000 #3329
Office:
Senda 7, pol. L-2 35, Residencial Santa Teresa
Tel: 2228-1470/2228-5608
Click to enlarge
Mayan Gifts Artesanias
La Palma/painting
Tecapan/Petates
