The Tanzania Posts Corporation Philatelic Bureau is a service that caters to the needs of stamp collectors and enthusiasts. It is responsible for the production, distribution, and sale of postage stamps in Tanzania. The bureau also offers a variety of services related to philately, such as stamp exhibitions, auctions, and special stamp issues. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Tanzania Posts Corporation Philatelic Bureau, its most important and well-known stamps, and its unique stamp designs.
History of the Tanzania Posts Corporation Philatelic Bureau
The Tanzania Posts Corporation Philatelic Bureau was established in 1994, following the merger of the Tanzania Posts and Telecommunications Corporation and the Tanzania Postal and Telecommunications Corporation. The bureau is responsible for the production and distribution of postage stamps in Tanzania, as well as other philatelic services. It is also a member of the Universal Postal Union, the governing body for international postal services.
The bureau has a rich history, with its first stamp issue dating back to 1893, during the German colonial period. The stamps were inscribed with the words «Deutsch-Ostafrika» and featured the portrait of Kaiser Wilhelm II. After Tanzania gained independence in 1961, the stamps were inscribed with «Tanganyika» and later «Tanzania» in 1964.
Notable Stamps in Tanzania Posts Corporation Philatelic Bureau
The Tanzania Posts Corporation Philatelic Bureau has issued a variety of stamps over the years, with each one telling a unique story. Some of the most notable stamps include:
1. The 1967 «Uhuru» stamps – These stamps were issued to commemorate Tanzania’s independence and featured the country’s coat of arms.
2. The 1974 «Wildlife Conservation» stamps – These stamps were issued to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation in Tanzania. They featured various animals, such as elephants, lions, and giraffes.
3. The 1996 «African Elephants» stamps – These stamps were issued to celebrate the African elephant as a symbol of Tanzania’s wildlife and natural heritage.
4. The 2014 «Nyerere Centenary» stamps – These stamps were issued to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere. They featured his portrait and various scenes from his life.
Unique Stamp Designs from Tanzania Posts Corporation Philatelic Bureau
The Tanzania Posts Corporation Philatelic Bureau is known for its unique and creative stamp designs. The bureau often collaborates with local artists and designers to create stamps that showcase the country’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Some of the most unique stamp designs include:
1. The 2018 «Traditional Dances» stamps – These stamps featured traditional dances from different regions of Tanzania, such as the Maasai jumping dance and the Chagga dance.
2. The 2019 «Tanzanian Cuisine» stamps – These stamps showcased the diverse and delicious cuisine of Tanzania, including dishes like ugali, pilau, and nyama choma.
3. The 2020 «Tanzanian Festivals» stamps – These stamps celebrated the vibrant and colorful festivals of Tanzania, such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival and the Ngorongoro Marathon.
The Tanzania Posts Corporation Philatelic Bureau plays a crucial role in promoting the country’s culture, history, and natural beauty through its stamps. With its rich history and unique stamp designs, the bureau continues to attract stamp collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world.
To learn more about the bureau and its services, visit their website at https://www.posta.co.tz/.