About Us

In 1992, in downtown Culpeper, VA, a small offering of Australian Aboriginal goods was sold under the name “Kungaku Arts”, the aboriginal Pitjantjatjara word for “women’s”, occupying a 100 square foot section of a shared retail space on East Davis Street called The Cameleer. Thanks to the overwhelming support and consistent patronage of our customers, we have moved and expanded five times on the 100 block of East Davis Street, finally settling in 2004 at 125 East Davis, an amazing 4,000 square foot space with 60 feet of storefront window space, high ceilings and open walls. Our product selection has grown to represent over 80 countries and we invite you to come experience an international adventure!

The initial Australian crafts sold were carved wood lizards and dot painted pottery from Central Australia. Didgeridoos, authentic boomerangs and aboriginal paintings rounded out the collection. Over the years, some products have become less accessible due to the traditional craft not being embraced by the younger generation and the passing away of the older craftsmen and women. Aboriginal artists have come into their own over the years, their work now being recognized, respected and commanding well-deserved compensation.

The Cameleer has carried products from scores of countries over the years and the product mix is in constant flux with the ebb and flow of traditional craft. Not only do the products need to be produced, but craftsmen must also master the complexities of wrapping, packing, filing paperwork and navigating the red tape of exporting their goods to America.

We seek traditional craft from indigenous people, but are always on the lookout for contemporary products from these countries. After all, even Chilean potters must like a change from producing 3-legged good luck pigs and might look to other forms of clay expression.