Ivory Coast Souvenirs: What to Buy and Where to Find It

Côte d’Ivoire, also known as the Ivory Coast, is not only famous for its vibrant culture, rich traditions, and warm hospitality, but also for its wide range of unique souvenirs. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a souvenir collector, or a traveler looking for meaningful gifts, this guide will help you discover the best souvenirs from Ivory Coast, along with tips on where to buy souvenirs in Abidjan and other key locations.

What Should I Buy in the Ivory Coast?

If you're wondering, “What should I buy in the Ivory Coast?”, the answer is: a mix of traditional handicrafts, local products, and cultural keepsakes that represent the soul of Côte d’Ivoire. Below is a curated list of must-have items:

Popular Souvenirs from Côte d’Ivoire

1. Traditional Souvenirs Ivory Coast are Known For

Wooden Tribal Masks

These handmade masks are some of the other Ivorian crafts that are popular among tourists. There are many different variations that represent other ethnic groups, including Baoulé, Dan, and Senufo. They’re not just for show; they have cultural and spiritual significance and are often employed in ceremonies and dances.

Sculptures of animals or humans in wood or in bronze are another current production of Ivorian crafts for tourists. In markets or artisan shops, seek out hand-carved pieces for authenticity.

Tribal mask wood is a popular souvenir from Côte d’Ivoire.

Baoulé Woven Fabrics

These bright and bold, hand-woven cloths make great accents and wearable art. Used in traditional ceremonies, they represent identity and pride.

Musical Instruments

Take home a djembé drum, a balafon (African wooden xylophone), or a kora (African harp). They are more than just instruments — they are artifacts of Ivorian heritage.

Hand-Woven Textiles And Fabrics

Colorful West African souvenirs include Kente cloth and Korhogo fabric, which are traditional textiles that create lovely and practical keepsakes. The handwoven textiles come in vibrant patterns and can be used as apparel, table runners, or as decorations on walls. Korhogo fabric, made by the Senufo people, is distinguished by its muted color palette and symbolic motifs, making it a unique gift from Côte d'Ivoire marketplaces.

 Korhogo cloth is made of hand-woven and hand-spun cotton.

2. Ivory Coast Handmade Gifts for Travelers

Beaded Jewellery & Shell Ornaments

Ivorian jewellery emphasises local artistry with beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Many of the pieces feature wood, bone, or bronze, echoing traditional patterns. The jewelry in silver found in the north is especially remarkable, and thus a good gift for travelers looking for something they can wear.

Pottery and Ceramics

Ceramics from places such as Korhogo are functional as well as ornamental. What to buy Handmade pots, bowls, and vases are often adorned with geometric patterns and earthy hues. In other words, the perfect pieces to add a touch of the Ivorian to your home or any of your beloved ones.

Woven Baskets and Handbags

These baskets are made by using natural fibre and coloured with natural dyes in a traditional system, which is suitable for Home Decoration and gifting purposes.

Wax Print Fabrics

People wear bright, vivid print fabrics on their dresses, wrapped around their heads, and as accessories. They’re a mainstay of West African style, and a nifty gift.

Cultural Souvenirs from Côte d’Ivoire

Traditional Dolls & Figurines

These are symbolic, representing the culture, beliefs, and clothing of different Ivorian tribes.

Ivorian Music & Literature

Buy a CD from a local artist or a book by an Ivorian writer. It’s a considerate manner of taking the voice of the country home with you.

Paintings and Art

Colorful original paintings of Ivorian life, landscape, or culture are ubiquitous in markets and galleries. These pieces, which are often produced by artists who live there, are wonderful, colorful keepsakes that can bring a little bit of Côte d’Ivoire magic home.

Travelers can find colored-statues-men in the Ivory Coast markets.

What to Buy in Ivory Coast as a Gift

Local Food Products

• Perfect Côte d’Ivoire Gifts for Foodies and Friends. These are the best souvenirs of any trip:
• Ivorian cocoa and coffee –arguably the best on the planet.
• Spices and sauces — like chili sauce, such as “piment” or dried okra.
• Palm wine (bottled) – the taste of the rural Ivorian way of life.

Special Gifts from Côte d’Ivoire, look for:

• Works Signed by Area Artists
• Handmade leather sandals
• Shea butter and coconut oil scented soaps

Ivory Coast Souvenir Shopping: Where to Buy Souvenirs in Ivory Coast

Purchasing Authentic Souvenirs requires knowing where to shop. And here are the top places to visit in Côte d’Ivoire, especially in Abidjan:

Abidjan Markets

Ivory Coast’s financial center, Abidjan, is known for its lively markets – it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs.

The Marché de Cocody is a great place to bargain hunt for crafts such as masks and textiles at fair prices.

Another bazaar for handmade presents is Marché de Treichville, where vendors sell jewelry, pottery, and other crafts. It’s a place where bargaining is the norm, so show up ready to politely haggle.

CAVA (Centre Artisanal de la Ville d’Abidjan)

After another one of those disconcerting flights that leave you unable to differentiate night from day, the Princesses have arrived in Abidjan.

One of the best souvenir shops for tourists in search of real Côte d'Ivoire gifts. The craftspeople are often willing to discuss what the work means.

Artisan Villages

For a more authentic cultural immersion, tour artisan villages such as Korhogo in the north with its textiles and pottery, or Grand-Bassam, a UNESCO World Heritage site and hub for the arts. These are separate areas where you can purchase one-of-a-kind items made locally and sold to you by the artists themselves.

Specialty Shops and Galleries

In Abidjan, shops including Galerie d’Arts Pluriels focus on high-quality crafts and art. Good for souvenirs because most of them are hand-crafted, but more expensive than the markets. Gallery visits mean you’re buying real, handmade travel gifts.

Local Craft Villages

• Komoé Village Komoé Village is well known for traditional pottery.
• At Sassandra Fishing Villages, you’ll find handwoven fishing nets, carvings, and jewelry.
• There are also craft villages in Yamoussoukro, producing masks, cloth, and beadwork.
• Korhogo Village is also famous for Korhogo cloth painting, wood carving, and brass work.

Visitors can choose from a variety of colorful souvenirs when exploring markets or tourist attractions in Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast Souvenir Shopping Tips

Souvenir shopping in Côte d'Ivoire can be an absolute blast if you know what to pack in advance! Here are some tips to get the most out of your shopping adventure:

Haggle politely: In most markets, haggling is part of the deal, but be courteous. Begin negotiations by offering half of what the seller is asking, and attempt to arrive at a decent price together.

Allocate a budget for souvenirs so you don’t end up spending more than you can afford. Decide to invest in a few high-quality items, such as a mask or fabric, instead of many cheap trinkets.

Cultural Sensitivity: Objects like sacred masks often carry significant cultural symbolism. Inquire with the sellers about what their wares signify: It’s a way to say you care about the answer, and it helps you make better decisions.

Source the products: Look for handmade versus mass-made products.

The pottery or the masks will require careful packing, as this item is fragile. Wrap your fragile items in clothes or bubble wrap, and make sure to see what the airline will allow in your carry-on or checked luggage.

Customs Laws: A few locations (carvings out of wood being one of them) will require some particular documents before you depart the country.

FAQs - What to Buy in Ivory Coast?

What are the best souvenirs to buy in Ivory Coast?
Top souvenirs include wooden masks, handwoven textiles, jewelry, pottery, cocoa products, and local artwork, all reflecting the Ivory Coast’s cultural heritage.

Where can I find authentic Ivorian crafts in Abidjan?
Visit Marché de Cocody, Marché de Treichville, or Galerie d’Arts Pluriels for authentic crafts. Bargain respectfully in markets for the best deals.

Are there any unique food products from Côte d'Ivoire that you can bring home?
Cocoa-based products like chocolates and cocoa butter, as well as local spices, are portable and popular edible souvenirs.

What should I do to guarantee I get real handmade souvenirs?
If you want to buy real works from the Ivory Coast, notice their handmade details and confirm their origin with the sellers. Avoid buying souvenirs that are being sold everywhere, since they could be meaningless to local culture.

Explore the market and find out what the best items to purchase are in Ivory Coast.

Which souvenirs represent the country in a special way?
Masks that are carved by hand, djembe drums, and Korhogo cloth are what stand out the most.

Are there rules about exporting wooden masks from the country?
You may have to apply for a permit if your antique carving requires it; check with the local offices.

How can I get fair-trade Ivorian crafts?
Go to the artisan markets in Grand-Bassam and Abidjan to find cooperatives.

What are some easy-to-carry souvenirs?
Beaded jewelry, batik scarves, and cocoa products are simple to bring with you.

What are some affordable gifts that people in Ivory Coast can give?
Beaded jewelry, small pottery, and local spices are all good, affordable gifts that are easy to carry.

Conclusion - Bring a Piece of Côte d’Ivoire Home

There are many traditional souvenirs and local products in Ivory Coast to take back as reminders. No matter who you are buying for, these souvenirs will remind you of Ivory Coast’s spirit, beauty, and warmth for a long time.