Things which are traditionally Goan

Goa being one of the major tourist spots in India, there are many knick-knacks one can find here to take back home. Handicrafts, wood and lacquerware is what the state is famous for, and if you are good at bargaining you can negotiate, unless you are in a government emporia or shop.

Wood Carving:

This ancient art still forms a major part of the Goan furniture market. Starting right from furniture to other household items, there are endless other decorative pieces one can pick up from here. However, some of the most popular items are colourful cradles and baby carts. Furniture with colonial designs made by wood-carvers are internationally sought after items. Wooden door frames, exquisitely carved are also very popular.

Pottery and Terracotta:

This being the traditional art of Goa don't forget to buy some of the best handmade arts & craft pieces once here. The items include vases, garden pots, bowls, ash-trays and lamp shades. Statuettes of animals and birds are also available in various shapes and sizes, which is a hot favourite.

Sea Shell Craft:

This is an art form which is unique to Goa. Sea shells of various shapes, sizes and colour are available here and are usually made in to ornaments, including necklaces, rings, bracelets and brooches. Knick-knacks like lamp-shades, flowerpots and wall-hangings can also be bought off the shelves of Goan stores or even pavements.

Brassware and Copperware:

Unique to Goan artistes is the art of making brass oil lamps. Lamps of various shapes and sizes are common, with traditional deisgns on them. They are resonably priced and are a must-buy for any all Goan tourists. Utensils made of Brass and Copper are also available here.

Cashew Nuts:

Unless you have tasted roasted cashew nuts, your Goan trip is incomplete. This is easily available in all tourist shops and also in the cashew factories, spread across Goa (the latter would be an inexpensive proposition, besides being fresh).

Feni:

This glorious drink, wholly indegenous to Goa, is truly a part and parcel of Goan culture. There are two types of Feni, one of which is made out of coconut and the other out of cashew. The former is called Coconut Sap and the other Cashew Sap. Every bar or tavern in Goa serves you Feni, throughout the year.