A World of Imports

by Elizabeth Anderson

Exotic art and home decor is all the rage and Kobey's vendors have it all for less. Kobey's has always been an outdoor bazaar representing cultures from much of the world. Here's an exotic sampling of what you'll see every weekend!

INDONESIA

For one of the most diverse assortment of primitive art, wood and metal Buddhist & Hindu statuettes, semi-precious stone silver jewelry, musical instruments and all kinds of unusual home decor, visit Aboriginal Stuff in space M7 Sat. & Sun. Owner Charles Taich and wife Linda from Sulawesi, Indonesia, travel half the year to bring in their eclectic, if not native, mix. Of exceptional interest: Australian didjeridoos from $35-$100 and wood surf figures $16-$22.

MEXICO

For authentic Mexican blankets and plaster of paris sculptures at better than Mexican prices stop by Moran Imports in space C12 Sat. & Sun. You'll find traditional Mexican wool serapes in a variety of bright colors for just $15. Synthetic or cotton weave blankets in many patterns and sizes go for $8 or $12. Items range from animal figures to Grecian reproductions. Prices range from $3 - $12.

Estar Mex in space G36 Sat. & Sun. offers a selection of ceramic hand-painted "Bienvenidos" or "Mi Casa Es Su Casa" house warming plaques, $24. The colorful plaques capture Mexico's rural beauty in a variety of dreamy scenes. Look for a variety of hanging paper machÍ vegetables, traditional for the kitchen, just $14.

AFRICA

At Luna's Eclipse, African carvings, art and textiles are the focus. Items come from a variety of African nations. Hand-woven natural fiber fabrics are dyed in rich earth tones and interesting traditional patterns. Panels run around $55. Hand-carved animal figures and ceremonial masks start at $15. Look for musical instruments including goat-skin Djembe drums from Senegal. There is a selection of leather and corey-shell jewelry as well. Luna is usually found on C/D row. Look for his large green banner.

RUSSIA

Look for authentic hand-painted Russian nesting dolls at Russian Fair in space L10 Sat. & L12 Sun. The term nesting doll comes from the Russian word "matroshka", mother, which explains why each doll contains between 5 to 20 smaller dolls inside each other. The dolls, created by various artists from many regions of Russia, start at $5 for 5 dolls. You'll also find Russian laquered eggs, jewelry boxes and broaches. Call 464-7648 for more information.

CHINA

Michael Lee and his company Ten Hands Gift Company offers wonderful oriental carvings in all kinds of mediums including jade, coral and bone as well as oriental collectibles of varying interest. Although Lee does not have a permanent space location, it's worth looking. You'll usually find him in the back section. Call (619) 689-2831 ahead or check location before entering.