Masaya is by far, the cradle of Nicaraguan arts and crafts. Here you will find a variety of handicrafts marketplaces where you can purchase these, mainly hammocks. Nonetheless, the most well-known artisan site is San Juan de Oriente, one of the so-called "White Towns", whose main source of income are sales of their arts and crafts. The creation of clay pieces with pre-Columbian motifs is a family tradition, activity handed down from parents to children.

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In Carazo Department there are artisans who work different materials for local consumption, such as woven products, embroidery, clothing and leather goods. In Jinotepe, Diriamba, there is a concentration of painters and mural artists.

Granada is known for its embroidery and jewelers who work gold and silver pieces providing them with excellent finishes and shapes. Carpenters work with wood, currently dedicating themselves to making replicas of antique furniture.

Leon produces spectacular iron furniture and the art of carving wooden religious images.

Matagalpa and Jinotega are distinguished for their black ceramic. Only three countries in the American Continent have the tradition of making black ceramic. This type of ceramic keeps using the same techniques and esthetics as the aborigine culture.

San Juan de Limay Municipality, Department of Esteli, has many soapstone mines and therefore, artisans chisel interesting soapstone figures.

These and many other handicrafts are available in shops and marketplaces throughout the country, such as the Huembes Marketplace in Managua, Old Handicrafts Marketplace in Masaya, San Juan de Oriente, among others.

The Nicaraguan Cultural Alliance (NCA) and the Quixote Center proudly present fine art materials from Nicaragua. The proceeds support the Nicaraguan artists and artisans who created these original works. We seek young talent, as well as women artists. Nicaragua is a poor land rich in art and poetry. NCA celebrates this tradition with images and products that mirror the spirit, pride and resilient hope of its people. NCA pays each artist a substantial annual fee and provides cards of his or her painting for personal use and / or sale in Nicaragua. Artisan products are purchased directly from the artisans and potters themselves at generous prices. NCA meets regularly with the artists to share ideas, resolve problems and plan for the future. NCA has fostered a reputation of deep respect for artists' rights and generous support of their work. Original images are reproduced to the highest standards of the printer's craft. NCA is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.   TO VIEW THEIR WEB SITE CLICK HERE.