Ep 7. Mwenge Sculpture Market, Tanzania

The Best Markets On Earth takes viewers on a journey to some of the world's most intriguing and vibrant markets. In season 1, episode 7, audiences are transported to Tanzania's Mwenge Sculpture Market, a sprawling outdoor marketplace located in the bustling city of Dar es Salaam.

As the camera pans over the market, viewers are immediately immersed in a riot of colorful displays. The air is filled with the sounds of bargaining and haggling, as buyers and sellers call out to each other in Swahili. The stalls are packed with intricate wood carvings, from graceful giraffes and towering elephants to intricate masks and figurines.

Hosted by market expert and travel enthusiast Sarah Collins, the episode provides a unique insight into the workings of the Mwenge Sculpture Market. Collins guides viewers through the maze of stalls, chatting with local artisans and admiring their wares.

Along the way, the show offers fascinating glimpses into the history and culture of Tanzania. We learn, for example, that Mwenge means "torch" in Swahili, a nod to the fact that the market was originally established as a showcase for Tanzania's emerging artists. Today, many of the carvers at the market are third- and fourth-generation craftsmen, who have learned their skills from their parents and grandparents.

As the episode progresses, viewers get to witness the intricate work that goes into creating a wooden carving. We see the artisans at work, using a variety of tools to shape and mold the wood. Some use traditional hand-carving techniques, while others employ power tools to speed up the process. The market is especially famous for its intricate figurines, which often depict local wildlife and tribal symbols.

The Best Markets On Earth doesn't just showcase the work of the artists at Mwenge Sculpture Market; it also delves into the economics of the marketplace. We learn about the different pricing strategies used by the vendors, and see how bargaining and haggling are an integral part of doing business here. Collins even tries her hand at bargaining with one vendor, a jovial man who greets her with a warm smile and a cup of tea.

Throughout the episode, Collins takes time to immerse herself in the local culture. She chats with a group of schoolchildren who are touring the market, and marvels at the dancers who perform traditional Ngoma dances outside the entrance. We get a sense of the local community spirit at Mwenge Sculpture Market, and see how it provides a vital source of income and pride for Tanzania's artisans.

As the day draws to a close, the market starts to wind down. The sun sinks low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the many wood carvings that are still on display. Viewers are left with a sense of awe and admiration for the hard-working artisans of Tanzania, and a newfound appreciation for the power of markets to bring people together.

Overall, The Best Markets On Earth season 1 episode 7 provides a rich, immersive look at one of the world's most fascinating marketplaces. From the intricately carved wood carvings to the vibrant local culture, the episode offers a glimpse into a world that many viewers may never have encountered before. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves travel, culture, and discovering new things.