Java House Imports

Strangely rude, the owner became enraged when I asked if I could just look around. I told him it was just a way of acknowledging his presence instead of ignoring him. He lectured me about not coming in if I had no intention of buying. I said I was just passing by and his stuff looked interesting and that I hadn’t ruled out buying something. He continued to lecture me about how it angered him when anyone asked if they could «just look around» and I felt uncomfortable and left. Not unexpectedly the store was empty. The stuff I saw before being encouraged to leave looked like overpriced crap from the «developing world.» I’m sure none of the $ goes to the poor exploited folks who make it. I’ll stick with «fair trade»
You’ve been warned!
P. S. I actually had $ 500 cash in my pocket that day and needed to buy gifts for 4 people. Luckily New Orleans has plenty of fabulous gift options very nearby with much better value and customer service. It is generally a very friendly welcoming town.

They have really unique and awesome wooden masks. The only issue I have is with the outrageous prices. I think I’ll pass, thank you very much…

Fabulous imported items from Indonesia as well as New Orleans’ own jewelry & candles. They have hundreds of African masks, Indian scultures and beautiful, international art. I purchased a soy candle that smells absolutely fabulous. This place is a bit pricey but the quality makes up for that. I’ll definitely visit this venue again!

If you are looking for unique treasures to bring home (for yourself or a loved one), stop by Java House Imports. You’ll be sure to find something. The prices of the items range from inexpensive to high-​end. If you go in with a set price you want to spend, you’ll be happy to know you will leave the store satisfied with your purchase and the price you paid!

When I need an original gift for a friend (quicker than
can get it to me) I go straight here. Every hand carved, wood, hand painted piece of art in this store symbolizes something amazing. I can’t help but want to touch every one of them in attempt to absorb all of their stories. They’ve got such beautiful, unique jewelry and also wooden Buddhas of every size and expression. It’s like a magical wonderland full of eye candy from all over the world.
My most favorite piece they sell, that I just love giving as a gift, is so popular that it’s almost never there. Small, smooth, little salt and pepper shakers that hug and curve into one another. 9 times out of 10 they won’t have this in stock but every now and then, if I take my chances and make the trek, they’ll have one set left for whomever that lucky friend of mine may be!
Even if you are not looking to buy, it is a peaceful serene little shop in the midst of the Decatur chaos. Well worth the duck in, the employees are just so worldly and kind, you will never want to leave.

This store is wonderful. When my husband and I were staying in New Orleans to celebrate our anniversary and visit friends & family, we kept walking by this store. We wanted to go in, but thought it would be too expensive, given the high quality of goods in the store. But as we were walking back to our hotel after having dinner one evening, my husband’s godmother decided that we were going in.
We are so glad we did! The masks and statues were even more beautiful up close, and the prices were reasonable for the quality, especially compared to prices where we’re from. The owner talked with us at length about all of the different puppets and masks, and when we told him what our budget was, we were able to haggle with him on the price of a gorgeous, stunning, and quite powerful Rangda mask.
The store shipped it to our home in California, and it was well-​packed, arriving in one piece with just a couple of bent pieces (the cardboard details were difficult not to bend I’m surprised there weren’t more than two or three minor bends), and was certainly in far better shape than it would have been if we’d tried to carry it home on the plane.
Now the mask is hanging up in our meditation room, and feels absolutely alive and protective, as it should. I would buy another piece from this store in a heartbeat, and I’m sure we’ll visit them on our next trip to New Orleans!