Conakry Artisan Market: Kora, Mandinka Crafts & Guinean Arts
Conakry's artisan market produces and sells the finest traditional instruments, woven boubou robes, and leather goods in West Africa — a living craft tradition serving both locals and visitors
- 1
Kora Instrument Workshop
Kora makers in Conakry make the 21-string bridge harp by hand from gourd, cowhide and hardwood - the entire construction process from raw materials visible in the workshop
- 2
Indigo Boubou Coats
Guinea's grand boubou robes are embroidered and indigo-dyed in workshops near the craft market — elaborate garments that take weeks to complete and are worn at parties
- 3
Leather Sandal and Bag Makers
Guinean leather workers make sandals, bags and belts from locally tanned hide — the craft tradition that comes from Mandinka traders from the Sahel, producing durable and beautiful items
- 4
Wooden Mask Carving Studio
Mask carvers producing both traditional ceremonial objects and replicas of tourist markets in the market complex — the work of the finest carvers can be distinguished by the quality of detail
- 5
Woven basket and carpet section
Highland Fula women sell baskets woven from raffia palm — geometric patterns in natural and dyed fibers that make some of the most elegant everyday objects in West Africa
- 6
Traditional Metalwork and Jewelry
Gold and silver jewelry in traditional Mandinka and Susu styles — earrings, bracelets and pendants made by hereditary smiths using techniques passed down through generations