Frommer's Brazil by Alexandra de Vries

Author:Alexandra de Vries
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Published: 2012-03-18T16:00:00+00:00

Shopping

Salvador offers wonderful shopping and some of the best crafts in all of Brazil. The best buys include crafts made out of wood, ceramics, or leather; musical instruments; and CDs of axé music. Remember to always bargain.

Art

Pricey but unique pieces can be bought at the many galleries in Pelourinho. Galeria 13, Rua Santa Isabel 13 ( 071/3242-7783), has a large exhibit space with regular showings of work by local artists. Galeria de Arte Bel Borba, Rua Luis Viana 14 ( 071/3243-9370), specializes in the sculptures and paintings by Bel Borba; his work is colorful and fresh. For top-of-the-line names check out Oxum Casa de Arte, Rua Gregorio de Matos 18 ( 071/3321-0617). The large collection of art includes work by Mario Cravo and Carybé, who did the large wood panels of the Orixás in the Afro-Brazilian museum. The Fundação Pierre Verger, Rua da Misericordia 9, centro histórico ( 071/3321-2341), in honor of the French photographer and ethnologist who specialized in Afro-Brazilian culture, displays a fabulous collection of his works and sells Verger’s amazing photo books.

Arts & Crafts

Instituto de Artesanato Visconde de Mauá Founded by the government to promote and support regional artists, the institute is an excellent place to get a feel for Bahian arts and crafts. There are weavings, hammocks, furniture, woodcarvings, and ceramics. Prices are fixed. To see future artists at work take a peek at the third floor, where students learn the traditional arts through workshops and apprenticeships. Just as any American can grow up to be president, every Baiano has the potential to be an artist. As the saying goes, “O Baiano não nasce, estreia” (“A Baiano isn’t born, he premières”). The institute and shop are open Monday and Wednesday through Friday 8am to 7pm, and Tuesday 8am to 6pm. The shop is also open Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Rua Gregorio de Matos 27, Pelourinho. 071/3324-5912. Bus: Praça da Sé.

Music

Aurisom To pick up the latest axé or Afro-reggae tunes, stop in at Aurisom. The compilation CDs of axé music that come out every summer give you the best of a whole crop of Bahian artists. This store also has a fabulous selection of LPs of old Brazilian music. Praça da Sé 22, Pelourinho. 071/3322-6893. Bus: Praça da Sé.

Midialouca This small music store in the heart of Rio Vermelho, near the Ibis hotel, has a huge collection of Bahian and Brazilian music. In addition to DVDs and CDs, you will also find books on music and art, and songbooks. Best of all, the store is open daily from 8am to midnight—perfect for a browse before heading out for dinner. Rua da Fonte do Boi 81, Rio Vermelho. 071/3334-2077. Bus: Rio Vermelho (or beaches beyond).

Oficina de Investigação Musical The berimbau must be the most purchased souvenir of all judging from the number of tourists I see leaving with these odd-shaped instruments under their arms. More portable and just as interesting are some of the drums, rattles, and tambourines used in Afro-Bahian rhythms. The shop is closed Sunday.

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