Nontando first opened its doors in 2003 with our retail store in Sarasota, Florida. Unlike many retailers in this niche, our buying strategy is actually travelling to Africa annually, meeting the artists, and hand selecting the best of African Art, Gifts and Home Decor. Through our travels, we meet men and women producing a wide range of arts and crafts. Working on the pavements, markets of the big cities to deep rural enclaves with every form of traditional art work.
Your support, no matter how big or small, impacts the lives of these talented people, as well as their families and communities.
Africa encompasses 53 nations, nearly a billion people and more than 800 distinct ethnic groups. This is an opportunity to join us on an adventure as we meet a remarkable people and celebrate African life.
SOME OF OUR CUSTOMER COMMENTS
Great shop.. love it. worth stopping by - Jabez C.
This is a treasury, a curated collection of the best of Africa by a man who knows...He takes a month every year to scout out the very best in his homeland. Nontando is the ultimate source for artistic, unusual, and usable African art. Gary will tell you everything about anything in the store...an education, as well - Susan S.
Very Nice.. I LIKE IT.... - Michael Z.
Awesome shop...great masks...lovely African art sold by a friendly and cheerful African man - Robin W.
It is a wonderful, cool store and my husband and I have been buying interesting, often one-of-a-kind things there for years. Check it out. - Karen K.
This store has a fabulous selection at great prices of all things African. - Marji B.
Just found your page. LOVE your shop. Best quality/selection/prices on the coast. If people have not been in, they are missing out. My friend loved the gift I got there recently....Thanks for all your help in selecting it - Karyn H.
Just found your page! I have been a happy shopper here for at least 8 years...when I bought my son and future daughter in law a wedding gift.....love your shop! Authentic - quality and unique! - Marylou A.
I was born and raised in Africa and, over the years, have been able to forge many relationships that enable me today to find worthwhile products in every part of the Continent. To replenish my stock, I travel to the homeland every year. I do not have to depend on wholesalers or jobbers but -- drawing on my lifelong knowledge of Africa -- am able to go to the villages and deal directly with the artisans who are creating the splendid objects I bring back for you. Certainly, the purchases I make from these artisans provide welcome income for families whose standard of living is generally quite low. But more than that, through my travels around the Continent each year, I am able to make a modest contribution to the education, independence, and entrepreneurship of creative people who have known precious few advantages in their lives.