In Sigatoka Town, you can do some serious hunting at Sigatoka Handicraft Centre (no phone), in a tin-roof shack on the main street beside the river. Operated by local women, it has carvings, shell jewelry, masi cloth, and other items made in Fiji. Jack's Handicrafts, Prouds, and Tappoo have large stores across the street.
Prices at relaxed, "browse-in-peace" Baravi Handicrafts (tel. 652 0364), in Vatukarasa village 13km (8 miles) east of Sigatoka, are somewhat lower than you'll find at the larger stores, and it has a snack bar that sells excellent coffee made from Fijian-grown beans. The shop buys woodcarvings and pottery directly from village artisans. It's open Monday to Saturday 7:30am to 6pm, Sunday 8:30am to 5pm. Vatukarasa also has a roadside stall where you might find unusual seashells.
Fijian Art: Don't Steal It, Come Here -- Tessa Miller's Namana Gallery, on Korotogo Drive west of the Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji (tel. 650 0218), is one of the best places to buy local art, especially works by Fred Whippy, Fiji's most prolific painter. "If you like the art hanging in your hotel room," says Tessa, "don't steal it. Come here." While browsing, you can partake of fresh Fijian coffee, muffins, and rolls, and you can check your e-mail for F$3 (US$1.80) for 15 minutes. Namana Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Follow the old beach road off the traffic circle at Korotogo; the gallery is the first building on the left.
