Bhaktapur's best buys are in wood.rowse around the workshops along the south side of Dattatraya Square to get a feel for different styles, woods and techniques, then haggle for bargains with the traders along the lane that contains the Peacock Window. See basics for more on what's available. Several shops around Durbar Square and Taumadhi sell quality and artists can often be seen painting them.
Nepalis recognize Bhaktapur for its traditional textiles , such as black and red pataasi material and black Bhadgaonle topi, formal headgear now worn mainly by traditionalists and government officials. Foreigners will be more attracted by the locally produced dhaka in original designs, as well as block-printed, quilted cotton items, pashmina shawls and Rajasthani-style tapestries.
Nawa Durga puppets and masks are widely sold in Bhaktapur, but they're cheaper in Thimi where they're made. Thimi is better for pottery, too. Film is sold in many tourist shops. There's a film processing lab just west of the Durbar Square gate.
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