Suriname's Maroons, descendants of Africans who escaped plantation slavery, are known for carved wooden doors, paddles and stools decorated with interlacing tembe patterns, and for colourful textile work. The Saamaka Museum in the Saramaccan village of Pikin Slee on the Upper Suriname River shows this heritage, with a garden of sculptures by local carvers.
You can see the crafts on village walks from Upper Suriname lodges, or on a day trip from Paramaribo to the Saamaka village of Drepada in Brokopondo, where a local textile studio runs headwrap workshops.
Good to know
- Distance from Paramaribo
- Pikin Slee: 2 to 3 hours by road from Paramaribo to Atjoni, then 2 to 4 hours by dugout canoe upriver, depending on the water level. Drepada in Brokopondo can be visited as a day trip
- Getting there
- Most visitors reach Pikin Slee as an excursion from an Upper Suriname lodge; the Drepada trips include transport from Paramaribo
- Entry and permits
- Drepada day trips start around EUR 85 per adult. Knini Paati charges EUR 350 per group (up to 12) for its museum excursion, excluding museum entry and meals
- Time needed
- One full day for Drepada; plan at least 2 to 3 days for the Upper Suriname villages and the museum
- Tips
- The Saamaka Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 15:00, and asks groups of six or more to call ahead. Always ask before photographing people
Operators that offer this
Tour operators listed on Explore Suriname, with a direct link to their own tour page.
Prices and dates change. Check with the operator before you book.
Where to stay nearby
Location
Map data © Google. Click the map to see locations, reviews & directions.