Proudly Serving Our Customers Since 1974
How can we offer the best deals on the web?
For 40 years, we established and maintained effective working relationships with individual tribes throughout Africa. Because of this relationship, we import our merchandise directly from African tribes and villages without dealing with a “middle-man”. Due to this arrangement, we can afford to offer our merchandise at very competitive prices. In addition, we extend extra savings to our customers when inventory is overstock or when bargains have been negotiated during a buying trip. Although our prices are competitive, we offer an additional 5% discount coupon on all online purchases. Signup for our bi-monthly newsletter and receive better deals. The newsletters include promotions, coupons, new arrivals, and more!
Nema and Victoria are the owners. Nema founded Manding Imports of Africa (formerly called Manding Imports) in 1974. In 1994, Victoria joined Nema on his venture with providing an array of tribal art, beads, textiles, fabric, and clothing.
Who is Nema?
Nema is a Mande and native of The Gambia, West Africa. As a boy, Nema began trading among African villages. Over the course of forty years, he has supplied the Smithsonian Institute, the Museum of African Art in Philadelphia, the Pace Gallery in New York, the Bead Museum in Prescott, Arizona, and numerous collectors and galleries throughout the nation with African Art, beads, and textiles. His pieces have included outstanding examples of trade beads dating from the fifteenth century to the present.
Can I eliminate the shipping cost for online purchases?
Yes, there are several options available to eliminate shipping cost.
1.) Insure that we bring the items you want and get free delivery by placing an order online and retrieving it in person when we travel to your city. You will need to bring your printed invoice with you when you arrive. Please see our travel itinerary. It can be accessed from our Home Page.
2.) We can arrange a free delivery for online purchases that are $1,000 plus. Please contact us for additional details.
3.) We offer great discounts, giveaways, and coupons (some coupons offer free shipping) to our customers who sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter.
4.) You can make arrangements to pick up your order from our location.
What is the origin of Shea Butter?
Shea butter comes from the African Mangifolia tree found along the West African Savannah region. It is a wild growing tree that produces tiny,almond-like fruit from which shea butter is extracted. The tree itself is not cultivated and takes 40—50 years to mature. In most parts of West Africa, destruction of the shea tree is forbidden due to its economic, health and social benefits. Shea butter is a valuable source of food in Africa. Indeed, many herbalists in Africa regard shea butter as an invaluable agent for internal and external body purification. Shea butter has a terrific consistency. It penetrates the skin quickly, leaving the skin feeling moisturized and smooth, but with no oily residue. Shea butter is good for the skin because it is rich in vitamins including A, E, and essential fatty acids. Shea butter is also an ingredient of Black Soap.
What’s the color of Shea Butter?
The original color is cream. The color is light yellow when shea butter is mixed with tree bark and bright yellow when it’s mixed with palm oil. Whether it’s cream, light or bright yellow, the shea butter sold by Manding Imports of Africa is natural and organic.
What is Black Soap?
Black Soap originates from West Africa. Unlike most soap which is made from synthetic chemicals, black soap is made from palm oil and palm kernels which produce heavy vegetable oils. The basic ingredients consist of ash, bark, palm oil, cocoa pods and plantain skins. These ingredients actually influence the color of the soap; hence, the name black soap. The plantain skins in black soap make it particularly good for sensitive skins and people suffering from eczema or acne as the soap is a rich source of vitamins A and E. It’s also an excellent moisturizing soap.
How should I store Black Soap?
If storing black soap in a soap dish, make sure the soap dish is well drained. Unused black soap should be placed in a cool dry area wrapped in saran wrap, zip lock bag, or a plastic container. Black soap has natural glycerin so it will absorb moisture from the air and become darker and softer in texture when left exposed.
Where does your African Art, Textiles, Beads, etc. come from?
Nema imports African Art, textiles, fabric, clothing, and furniture, beads, jewelry, and skincare products directly from African villages. The majority of our merchandise originates from West, East, North and Central Africa.
Why do some art pieces have cracks, chips and signs of wear?
Age cracks, blemishes, wear and tear, and signs of repair are the integral part of African art. These imperfections are considered normal and do not detract from the artistic and monetary value of the piece. Keep in mind that mint condition African art is often considered inferior to ceremonial art with the obvious signs of use.
How should I take care of my tribal art such as masks, statues, etc.?
Keep your pieces away from excessive temperature, humidity, and direct sunlight. When forced hot air is used in the winter, humidifiers can help reduce cracking and warping. Clean your art pieces with soft brushes, dusters or canned compressed sprays that are effective in removing dust and dirt from surfaces or crevices. Do not apply water or detergents on wooden artifacts. We do not recommend applying protective coatings to your wooden art.
How do I contact you?
You can contact us through the following:
P.O. Box 2824
Tucker, Georgia 30085
770-939-3554
Email
Shipment Policy
Within the United States, we use UPS and FEDEX as our shippers. Orders are processed and shipped within 4 days. Shipments will take a maximum of 10 days to be delivered. Visitors from abroad are welcome to contact us regarding our international policy.
Return Policy
We will replace your item if you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason whatsoever. Exchanges or returns must be made within 15 days of receiving your order. Returned clothing can not be soiled or laundered. There is a 10% processing fee applied to returns. The 10% is calculated from the purchase total. We will ship your replacement at your expense or issue a refund for the cost of the goods minus the processing fee of 10% to the original credit card. Shipping charges will not be refunded and customers are required to pay for the return shipping charges.
What happens if my items are damaged?
If an item is damaged during shipping, contact us and the shipping company immediately. Please keep the item with you as the insurance inspector may want to pick it up or inspect it. If the outer packaging is intact but the contents are damaged then we will issue you a call tag, meaning that we will have the shipping company pick up the item and we will send you another replacement item immediately
How do I inquire about items I wish to purchase?
We will be happy to provide additional information on items you would like to purchase. Please don’t hesitate to call or email us with specific questions.
Do you accept special orders or requests?
Nema completes about seven buying trips to Africa per year. Let us know if you have a special request for an item. We’ll try to accommodate your requests.
Site last updated: June 21, 2010