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African Coast Collection

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: A Swahili man in traditional attire blows the Siwa

A Swahili man in traditional attire blows the Siwa on the battlements of the Lamu Museum. This unique and hugely heavy ritual horn was used before the 19th century in Pate

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: As a part of Maulidi

As a part of Maulidi, Lamu Islands celebrations to mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohamed, a keenly-fought boat race is held

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: The eyes of a Lamu woman wearing a traditional black

The eyes of a Lamu woman wearing a traditional black Islamic dress and face veil (known locally as buibui). Situated 150 miles north-northeast of Mombasa, Lamu town dates from the 15th century AD

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: Abdul Malik Bilali recites the Holy Koran in his beautiful

Abdul Malik Bilali recites the Holy Koran in his beautiful stone-built house in Lamus old town. The house has fine example of decorative Lamu plasterwork gracing the interior walls

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: A fine example of the interior of a traditional Swahili

A fine example of the interior of a traditional Swahili house in Lamu Town. The extraordinary skill of the local craftsmen is an important legacy of Afro-Arab architecture in the Swahili style

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: A fine example of decorative Lamu plasterwork gracing

A fine example of decorative Lamu plasterwork gracing the interior wall of an old stone house. The extraordinary skill of these craftsmen is an important legacy of Afro-Arab architecture in

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: A group of Swahili women clad in black to signify their

A group of Swahili women clad in black to signify their Islamic culture pause to chat outside an old mosque along the waterfront of Lamu Island

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: The beautiful

The beautiful, crystal-clear Mer d Emeraude (Emerald Sea) lies just off the Malagasy coast between Andavakonko and Suarez Island, northeast of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez)

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: A weathervane in the shape of a whale on a house overlooking Walker Bay

A weathervane in the shape of a whale on a house overlooking Walker Bay

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: A donkey race is held on Lamu Island as part of the

A donkey race is held on Lamu Island as part of the celebrations to mark the birthday of the Prophet Mohamed. This man was the winner of the 2005 competition

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: On a late Friday afternoon

On a late Friday afternoon, Lamu men and boys in traditional Islamic dress sing before joining a procession to celebrate Maulidi, the Prophet Mohameds birthday

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: Lamu women are expert in intricate hand and body designs

Lamu women are expert in intricate hand and body designs using henna and other dyes. Here, a woman with finely decorated hands

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: A skilled craftsman with traditional tools carves a

A skilled craftsman with traditional tools carves a wooden door from hardwood in Lamu town. Wood carving is the most important craft in Lamu and sustains the greatest number of skilled craftsmen

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: A man embroiders Swahili hats

A man embroiders Swahili hats, which are popular with Muslims on Lamu Island and elsewhere. It takes hours of patience and great skill to make a really fine hat

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: A view over makuti thatched roofs to the estuary that

A view over makuti thatched roofs to the estuary that divides Lamu Island from uninhabited Manda Island, which has no permanent source of sweet groundwater

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: A man rides a donkey in one of the narrow streets of Lamu town

A man rides a donkey in one of the narrow streets of Lamu town. In the absence of vehicles, which are banned in the island

Background imageAfrican Coast Collection: A mashua sails out of the sheltered, natural harbour of Lamu Island

A mashua sails out of the sheltered, natural harbour of Lamu Island. Dhow is the colloquial word used by most visitors for the wooden sailing ships of the East African coast although in reality a


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