Crafts - Other than Native American, Tucson

Explorations has a fine (and eclectic) selection of furniture and crafts from around the world. Moroccan tiles and ceramics handmade in Fez are displayed next to Chinese silks and boxes. Saris are laid out neatly within large Mexican cabinets. The small room at the front of the shop contains a kaleidoscope of pinned butterflies from the Amazon. Standing just beyond it, an elegant Afghan rebab shines in the light. Whether searching for rare instruments or just window shopping, Explorations deserves a look.

Searching for a new Indonesian God of Vengeance mask to hang in the living room? Or maybe a hand carved wooden giraffe from Zimbabwe? Magellan Trading imports beautiful handcraft and artwork from more than 35 countries worldwide, offering a great variety of headdresses from Papua New Guinea and African fertility dolls. Buy furnishings from all corners of the globe, or simply stop by to take a look at world-class masks and woodcarvings.

Hours: Monday - Saturday 9:30 - 5:30;
Sunday 11:00 - 4:00

Eastern Living sells a magnificent collection of antique furniture, ranging from early 18th century chests from Beijing to 19th century Tibetan doors. Terra cotta lions and bronze Buddhas are situated at the entrance to every room, and antique hand-woven shoes and hats are displayed over sprawling red and gold rugs. Be sure to flip through the photo album laying on one of the tables near the entrance. It contains pictures of the storeowner's recent trek through China.

Rustica provides an extensive inventory of handcrafted Mexican folk art and home furnishings. Beautiful Talavera pottery fill entire rooms, and large bronze mirrors and tin lamps give the shop a rustic Mexican feel. Rustica offers gorgeous Peruvian and Mexican chests, custom dining tables, hand carved wood chairs, and much more.

Hours: Monday - Saturday 10 - 6; Sunday 12 - 4

The Lost Barrio Shopping district is comprised of a variety of businesses selling everything from Nigerian masks to Tibetan gates. Peruse the stores for a new pair of Chinese slippers, or just admire the Afghan rebabs and Moroccan tangines displayed in the windows. The Lost Barrio has a world class collection worth taking a look at.

There are quite a lot of various galleries in Tucson. In Blue Topaz gallery you can see temporary displays of various artists. There were some paintings when I was there.

Hours:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday
9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.


What to buy: Personally, I liked some minerals (eggs or something like this made of them).