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Where It's At
Mercado Xipamanine is a Saturday market on Avenida
Robby Brothers in Maputo, Mozambique. This really is a
market where you can purchase anything from detergent to traditional
spices for cooking, and capulanas (the all purpose
traditional wraps worn by women), to Kalashnikov rifles -
relics from the war of independence. It's one of Maputo's
oldest markets, a hustling and bustling outdoor muddle of
stalls, and it's just the place to stock up on your curandeiros
- traditional African medicines.
Voodoo Experience
Unlike countries elsewhere in the world where alternative
medicines are practised on the fringe of society, tribal medicine
is mainstream in Mozambique and allopathic Western-style medicine
is treated with suspicion. Brains, claws, rats feet, lucky
potions, voodoo, and animals tails all solve various ailments.
There's a bizarre array of goods on offer which are definitely
not for the squeamish.
Safety Advice
The heat, noise, strange smells, sights and close proximity
of other shoppers can make this an unnerving experience. Xipamanine
is also notorious as a haven for pickpockets so it's important
to keep hold of your valuables at all times.
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