Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHAT IS TINGA TINGA?
A: Tinga Tinga is a popular art style from Tanzania named after the artist E.S.Tingatinga
Q: WHICH PAINTINGS ARE AVAILABLE?
A: The available paintings are marked with yellow background CODE
Q: HOW TO BUY THE PAINTINGS?
A: Send us the code of the paintings you are interested in. You will find the code in the yellow field. We will contact you.
Q: I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE PRICES OF THE PAINTINGS
A: Write us to info@tingatinga.org (or use the form in Contact section) and we will send you the price list
Q: WHAT IS THE POSTAGE COST TO MY COUNTRY?
Big Paintings
(ca 80x100cm)Small Paintings
(27x35cm)Postage Cost
Country 1-2 pcs 1- 9 pcs $40-$50 All 3-4 pcs 11- 18 pcs $50-$60 All 5-6 pcs 19 - 27 pcs $60-$70 All 7-8 pcs 28 -36 pcs $70-$80 All 9-10 pcs 37 - 45 pcs $80-$90 All 11 and more 45 and more Fixed price $90 All
Q: HOW TO PAY?
A: Unfortunately we don´t accept VISA cards so you will have to send money to a bank acocunt or through Western Union.
Q: WHY DON´T YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARD?
A: We have started recently the website and we have had limited time to fix the credit payment method. But we are working on it and soon it will be possible to pay with a credit card.
Q: DOES THE TINGA TINGA PAINTINGS CRACK?
A: No, if the quality materials are used. People buying the paintings on their holiday in Tanzania are at risk to be cheated. Many painters use the so called "ngano" as a basic colour. It is a mix of water with wheat powder. Buying the painting through us gives you quality garantee. Not only we use a silk color as a basic but we use a quality canvas, regular frame, dust-free colors etc.
Q: HOW DO YOU DELIVER THE PAINTINGS
A: We deliver the paintings without frame. They are rolled in the tube. (see picture)
Q: CAN YOU SEND THE PAINTINGS ON FRAME?
A: No, because the cost would be high and the painting could be damaged on the way to you. You are advised to stretch the paintings at your local galery. If you are handy, you can do it yourself and spare a lot of money. See how to strech Tinga Tinga paintings
Q: IS THE POSTAGE SERVICE RELIABLE?
A: Yes. We use EMS - "Expedited Mail Service - Tanzania" which is both cheap and reliable. But on request we can send the paintings through DHL, FedEx or any other company you wish.
Q: AFTER HOW MANY DAYS WILL THE PAINTINGS ARRIVE TO ME?
A: It can take as few as 4 days to Europe/North America but expect around one week, especially if you are from Asia/South America
Q: ARE THE PAINTINGS REPRODUCED?
A: Whoever says whatever - the paintings are reproduced. The easier motive the easier to reproduce. If you want something very special look more for names and an unusual motives. Many painters has developed their own style and only them reproduce their own motives. (Example is Abdul Mkura, Omary Amonde) But many painters create unique paintings, never reproduced even by the painter himself (Example: John Kilaka, Mohamed Charinda) This webiste aims to show as original paintings as possible. But keep in mind that even the reproduced painting is unique - it is still hand -painted and it is never exact copy.
Q: TINGA TINGA AS AN INVESTMENT?
A: It is absolutly good investment opportunity especially before BBC and Walt Disney launches the "Tinga Tinga Tales" in TV networks around the world. Then Tinga Tinga word will be known to milions of people. But even without Walt Disney there are currently number of other projects which will attract new customers. (FIFA, books project, exhibitions) This website also contributes to spreading the word about Tinga Tinga.
USEFUL TIPS
After you Receive the Paintings: Please be carefull when you unrole the pantings. Unrole them in a warm environment because then the colors are "flexible". (see explanation bellow). If you bought the paintings as a present to somebody or as an investment don´t leave them in a tube too long time. At least take them out for a while so you are sure both the paintings and the tube is completely dry. There could be some moisture condensed on the way from hot Africa to your cold place and it is not good for paintings.
How to Strech the Paintings: When you unroll the paintings, stretch them on the stretcher bars, do so in warm environment. I recommend 30-35 degrees Celsius. Do a test: put the paintings in a refrigerator and you will see it will be very hard and difficult to handle. Put the paintings in a bastu/sauna. Now the painting is very flexible. That´s why it is good to stretch in warm room. Also this is to avoid any crack.
Please post us new questions to info@tingatinga.org