Fourth World Artisans Co-op

08/20/03

This international bazaar peddles colorful and culturally enriching goods for your home.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
A large room glimmers with exotic crafts from around the world. Dark African masks shadow exposed brick walls, while vibrant Haitian cloths add sparkle. Other ethnic wares are exhibited on racks, shelves and the hardwood floor; a back room is blanketed with Afghani and Moroccan rugs. Labels reveal each piece's country of origin, and the informed staff can provide further cultural meanings.

The Goods
For a global vibe, blow into an Australian didgeridoo (a long, hollow piece of eucalyptus), strum an Indian sitar or beat African drums. Marvel at handcrafted furniture from Indonesia and Nigeria, where the Yoruba Tribe beads chairs in vivid turquoise and red. You'll also find Peruvian alpaca wool hats and exquisite Vietnam tea sets. Not everything is from overseas--local artisans create the featured jewelry and note cards.