Interior Decorations: Gypsum Designs Gain Market Grounds

H andcrafted decorative sets featuring varied des­ igns and coloured gyp­ sum statuettes, including styli­ zed flower trays, ribbed vases, sculptures amongst others, are finding a steady stream of buyers in Yaounde and Came­ roon at large. More consumers in the capital city are choosing these locally made items over expensive imported plastic de­ corations. According to a local producer, Sakwe Nadine Lombe, many ar­ tists rely on accessible raw ma­ terials to craft each piece. Arti­ sans across Cameroon use locally gathered clay, gypsum paste, water, and plaster to mold the sculptures, trays, and ceramic- style vases depending on the mould design available to create designs like flower vases, num­ bers and letters, trays, heart shaped, thinking man and wo­ man and soo many others. “In most cases, simple paint and metallic dust are applied by hand for finishing touches, while dried local grasses complete the ar­ rangement for most flower vases,” Sakwe explained. The commercialization of these home decoration pieces has avai­ led an income anthena for de­ pendent business and vendors to generate sustainable income. According to Azu Ndifor Lanuella, these home items are available in several commercial areas across Yaounde. Buyers can find them in places like Mokolo Mar­ ket, the Craft Center (Centre Ar­ tisanal), as well as shops in Bas­ tos and Awae. To her, many ma­ kers as well as online vendors also sell directly through social media channels like Instagram and WhatsApp for commissions. Prices generally depend on the size and complexity of the piece. Single statues or small trays sell between FCFA 2,500 and FCFA 7,000, while vases with dried flowers go for FCFA 5,000 to FCFA 12,000. Full table sets which include a tray, statuette, and vase, range from FCFA 15,000 to 30,000. A consumer, Ebong Satia Claudia, told CT that these pieces give local homes a clean finish without the higher costs associated c...