Nontando – African Art, Home Décor & Gifts
Nontando, operating since 2003, specializes in Conversational Art, Home Décor and Gifts imported directly from the African continent. Representing over 50 countries across all regions of Africa, owners of Nontando travel to the continent annually on their buying trips and hand select and directly import their merchandise.
Nontando carries a wide range of unique and handcrafted products including a wonderful collection of ceremonial masks from West Africa, affordable and one-of-a-kind jewelry, an extensive collection of textiles, beautiful wood and stone carvings from the likes of East Africa, Morocco and Zimbabwe, a diverse selection of pottery, and much more including wirework, framed artwork, tribal statues, lighting, and metalwork. Besides serving the local community, Nontando works with a number of small designers, decorators and gift stores across the US, who are looking to introduce a taste of African craft to their clientele and their residential or commercial style.
With their buying trips to Africa, Nontando is seeking products that are handcrafted, of the highest quality, and affordable for their customers. Through their travels, Nontando meet and work with men and women producing a wide range of traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.
Customer Reviews:
“An Exotic Experience in Sarasota! A unique local store with unusual African handiwork. You’ll definitely spend at least an hour browsing there and you’ll be amazed with the original design of work and the atmosphere in the store. You can find there everything from small souvenirs till a good solid piece of the African art for your home decor, or something special for you. Once you visit it you’ll fall in love with the culture of Africa!” – Ekaterina M.
“Wonderful find – great owner! If you are tired of the typical ‘shops’ of T-shirts, jewelry and souvenirs please go to Nontando! The shop has beautiful, hand crafted and high quality items from Africa. Everything from pottery to woven baskets, wall hangings, hand made jewelry and much, much more can be found at Nontando’s. The artists are trained in a craft in their small villages in order to produce high quality, original pieces and earn a living by selling their wares. I purchased a one of a kind piece of pottery which can be used as a small appetizer dish or hung on the wall. Brightly painted in primary colors and depicting a ‘scene’ from the African village it is a delightful piece I treasure and will look upon with fond remembrance of a special trip to Sarasota.
The owner is friendly, professional and willingly shares his knowledge of the various artists and their crafts. My friend bought a brightly colored cup and also found that it was not only a lovely piece of art but also dishwasher safe! Nontando is a hidden gem of a shop – if you are in the area do check it out. – MGordon Charlotte
“What a great store! Wow! We could have spent hours in this store. If you enjoy African art, culture, history and artifacts with an expedition story – this place is for you. We can’t wait to go back and see what else we can add to our collection of African art. We enjoy one of a kind pieces to make our home unique and this store fit the bill. Lots of masks, sculptures, kuba cloth and jewelry. A must stop if looking for a one of a kind item or gift.” – Donna T.
Address:
Gulf Gate Village
6578 Gateway Ave
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-929-7844
Store Hours:
Tues – Sat 10 am – 5 pm
Website: