"Ibo island" a Ibo Travel Page by trilbi

Only few people still live on Ibo island, once the capital of Cabo Delgado and one of the most important Portuguese trading centers for slaves and ivory. The first thing I noticed arriving here by dhow ( the arab sailing boat) were the old houses in portuguese style, a complete different scenario from the rural areas with mud huts. Many of this houses are in very bad shape and the locals let them run down in hate towards the Portuguese. It's a wonderful place though, with a deserted feel that I found fascinating. I would have liked to spend here few days, after all a place where there are only two cars which manage to crash frontally deserves some meditation!
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There is a craft tradition on the island for making very delicate silver bracelets and necklaces. The silversmiths are now working inside the old fort of St Jao Baptista on the northern side of the island. They melt down old coins found in the sea and make their crafts using very rudimentary methods. These people live of this art and it's important they keep it alive, so buy their jewels and don't bargain!