Shopping in Panorama Route

The tradition of art continues in the hands of newer but equally renowned artists like Nukain Mabuza. Mabuza's most dramatic work is the granite-based piece near Malelane. The San tradition has even spread its influence overseas, with internationally renowned Walter Battiss having been heavily inspired by the bead work of the Ndebele and the cave paintings of the San people. His ‘new Group', set up in 1938, also derives inspiration from these two art forms.

Then there are the unusual 1500-year-old Lydenburg Heads created by a now extinct civilisation. These seven head-shaped masks, believed to have been used in ancient rituals, are the earliest examples of sculpture in Africa.

But with all this great art in abundance in the country's finest monuments, what is there for the tourist to take home?

Art Galleries

Visitors can see Mpumalanga's finest collection of art in the Houses of Legislature. The building with its soaring dome is decked out in the most exquisite weavings, sculptures, ceramics and paintings. The mosaic floors of this building are as much a work of art as the paintings that adorn the walls. The hand-carved doors have been individually worked on and the walls carry images of pre-colonial history, Apartheid and liberation and the victory of democracy in 1994. The Legislature is open daily and, besides being a museum for art, is a great way to understand the political history of this democracy.

There are also other galleries in Nelspruit and Graskop that carry more modern collections.

Mpumalanga's varied art forms offer such a wide range of styles that things never get dull. Newer artists produce some more unusual pieces of quirky art and craft that make great souvenirs. Ekim is a local bone collector who uses the horns and bones of animals to create some of the most unusual furniture in his White River workshop called Bone Idle.

Carvings

If you've always imagined a majestic African carving in your home, then this trip will offer you a chance to make that happen. Wood carvers from the region are great craftsmen and can create furniture that resembles hippos, giraffes, hyenas and zebras. Shopping along the Panorama Route items range from animal-shaped stools to tables to odd bits of furniture and you will be able to pick up some big game of your own! Everything is packed carefully for shipping, so you can check it in on your flight home.

In case your suitcases are already bursting at the seams with shopping, then pick up tiny bugs, locusts and chameleons fashioned out of scrap wire and soft drink cans.

Other odd but fun souvenirs include CD racks made to look like African animals, radios made from scrap wire and even fully functional remote control cars, planes and trucks made from - yes ­- scrap wire and batteries and junked electronics.

For less kitschy shopping, head to the specialist Panorama Route shops, curio stores and government run Little Elephant at Middelburg or similar stores in Graskop to get top-notch products. You might want to pick up some typically African fabrics or some unusual modern prints.

Local Pop Art

For a look at more African ingenuity, pop into stores where artists use traditional beads combined with candy wrappers or plastic bags to create works of art. Fans of this art range from the Tokyo banker to the New York club owner. Other unusual exports of the country include condom bags and necklaces created by Ndebele women. These bags also make a statement with their imagery, sending out messages about HIV and AIDS and the importance of safe sex. Even have something custom made for you by Mxoloswe Mahlangu - the provincial arts official - when you are here on your holiday.