Ivory Coast Art Markets: The Guide for Budget Travelers

By Stella Tessa | Update on: Apr 13, 2023

Ivory Coast, located in the center of West Africa, is a nation with a rich cultural history and a wide range of artistic traditions. The country's artisanal offerings are as diverse and dynamic as its people, ranging from traditional music and dance to elaborate beading and woodcarving. The numerous artisan markets that dot the country's landscape are one of the greatest places to discover Ivory Coast's artistic heritage. The traditional products and artwork found at these marketplaces are a true treasure trove, each with a distinct history and cultural value. A visit to these marketplaces is an absolute necessity for tourists who want to become fully immersed in Ivory Coast's artistic community.

In this blog post, we will take a deeper look at some of the top markets in Ivory Coast art, showcasing the different sorts of crafts available, the vibrant cultural experiences they deliver, and advice for maximizing your visit's wonder mood at a budget-friendly cost.

Table of Contents

Top Markets In Ivory Coast Art
Score Vibrant Treasures In Traditional Ivory Coast Art Markets Without Breaking The Bank

Top Markets In Ivory Coast Art

The Ivory Coast is a dynamic and culturally diverse nation in West Africa that is well known for its handicrafts and traditional art. Ivory Coast's artisan markets are a veritable gold mine of one-of-a-kind and genuine goods, and they give tourists a special chance to interact with local craftspeople and discover more about the country's culture. The following Ivory Coast art fairs are among the greatest and shouldn't be missed by art lovers.

Treichville Market:

Treichville Market, a hive of local activity in the center of Abidjan, is the ideal place discover authentic Ivory Coast art. The market is notable for its exquisite fabrics, beading, and woodcarvings, all of which are handcrafted by regional craftsmen. Visitors may observe as artists construct their masterpieces and even try their hand at producing traditional art of the country.

The abundance of street art visible throughout the market's passageways is one of its distinctive features. Visitors may take in the market's bustling ambiance while admiring the colorful murals and graffiti art.

Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of traditional handicrafts when shopping, such as wooden masks, statues, and jewelry. The market is particularly noted for its vivid fabrics, which are commonly used to construct traditional apparel and accessories. Negotiating with merchants is common, so make sure to get the best deal possible.

At Treichville Market, you may get several traditional crafts like:

Woodcarvings: From statues to masks, the Treichville Market is awash in elaborate woodcarvings that display the Ivory Coast's artisans' remarkable artistry.
Beadwork: Beadwork is another well-liked skill at Treichville Market, where customers can purchase everything from complex tapestries to beaded jewelry.
Textiles: There is a range of textiles available at the market, including handmade textiles and traditional attire.

Several traditional Ivory Coast art crafts in the markets

Several traditional Ivory Coast art crafts in the markets

Marcory Market:

Probably one of the best places for people looking for traditional Ivory Coast handcrafts is Marcory Market, which is situated in Abidjan's Marcory neighborhood. The vibrant batik fabrics in this market, which are hand-dyed using conventional methods, are both well done. Visitors can go through a selection of items such as apparel, accouterments, and home furnishings manufactured from these textiles.

The profusion of Ivory Coast street art that can be observed around Marcory Market is one of its distinguishing qualities. The vivid mood of the market is further enhanced by the murals and graffiti art that cover the market's walls.

The following traditional crafts are among those offered at Marcory Market:

Batik fabric: Ivory Coast is known for its distinctive batik fabric, which is available at Marcory Market in a broad range of hues and designs.
Wood carvings, such as statues and masks, are also available at the market.
Jewelry: The large range of handmade pieces available to visitors includes beaded necklaces and bracelets.

Grand-Bassam Market

Grand-Bassam Market is a fantastic option if you're searching for a market with a more vintage vibe. The market, which is famed for its antique and vintage wares, is situated in the country of Ivory Coast's former colonial capital. A variety of colonial-era furniture, jewelry, and other antiques are available for visitors to peruse, all of which provide a window into Ivory Coast's history. For people who are interested in both history and culture, the market is also a great place to find a range of traditional handicrafts, such as pottery and woven baskets.

Grand-Bassam Market is a good place to purchase the following Ivory Coast handcrafts:

Pottery: A range of handcrafted pottery, including vases, bowls, and other ornamental objects, are available at the market.
Woven baskets: A variety of woven baskets, from those used for carrying groceries to those used for food storage, are available for visitors to choose from.
Antique furniture: The market is renowned for its collection of furniture from the colonial era, which includes chairs, tables, and other items.

Fantastic option of African fabrics in Abidjan for the Ivory Coast art scene

Fantastic option of African fabrics in Abidjan for the Ivory Coast art scene

Abobo Market

Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the modern art scene of the Ivory Coast at Abobo Market. The market is a hive of artistic activity, brimming with colorful street art and modern goods created by regional designers. The market offers a huge selection of locally produced handmade goods, such as apparel, jewelry, and purses. At Abobo Market, tourists may also find conventional handicrafts such as the following in addition to contemporary artwork:

Beadwork: There are several elaborate beadwork items available in the market, including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.
Woodcarvings: Those who visit can find a wide range of hand-carved wooden sculptures, masks, and figures that are ideal for collectors or anyone who want to incorporate a bit of Ivory Coast culture into their home decor.
Batik fabrics: Made by hand-dying with conventional methods, batik textiles are also available at Abobo Market. Tablecloths, garments, and other textiles can be made from fabric.

Score Vibrant Treasures In Traditional Ivory Coast Art Markets Without Breaking The Bank

Embarking on a quest to explore the Ivory Coast's artistic heritage doesn't have to break the bank! The nation is teeming with artisan markets that provide a profusion of conventional, traditional Ivory Coast art at competitive costs. Here are some shrewd suggestions to assist you in successfully negotiating the Ivory Coast's art marketplaces without breaking the bank:

Prepare your bargaining skills: Markets in Ivory Coast are widely recognized for their culture of haggling between customers and vendors. Develop your negotiating abilities, and don't be afraid to reach an agreement that benefits you.
Avoid the possibility of tourist traps: Certain markets are built with tourists in mind, and as such, their prices are inflated. Locals attend marketplaces, which give the most value for money.
Off-the-beaten-track travel: Abidjan is home to well-known marketplaces, but don't confine yourself to the metropolis. Explore regional smaller markets to find an equally stunning assortment of traditional crafts. These marketplaces are dispersed all over the nation.
Choose Ivory Coast Immigration Services: If you require a visa and travel insurance, pick Ivory Coast Immigration Services. We will assist you legally within the nation while also ensuring that you have all the paperwork you need for your trip. You may also rest easy knowing you're dealing with a respectable and trustworthy company by getting your visa and travel insurance at an affordable cost. On our website, we provide both services, making it simple to apply for both at once and saving time. As well, having travel insurance can ease your mind and shield you from unforeseen circumstances like misplaced luggage or medical problems. Make sure to incorporate Ivory Coast Immigration Services in your travel arrangements for a stress-free and joyful vacation.

Do you know Top 5 Must-Do Activities On Your Journey To Ivory Coast? Let’s investigate.

Traditional white and blue cloth for Ivory Coast handcrafts

Traditional white and blue cloth for Ivory Coast handcrafts

As we come to the end of our journey through the vibrant Ivory Coast art scene, we hope that we have inspired you to explore this beautiful country and its rich cultural heritage.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready to immerse yourself in the colorful world of Ivory Coast's art scene. And don't forget to visit the artisan markets, where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures and support local artists at the same time.

Before you go, make sure to check out the Ivory Coast Immigration Services website for visa services and travel insurance options. With these services, you can save time and money and ensure a stress-free trip. Safe travels!

HOW CAN WE HELP?

All information entered on this form will be kept strictly confidential and subject to our privacy policy once received by us. Your transaction will be secured using SSL/TLS encryption.