🛍️ Central African Republic: souvenirs
CAR's crafts come from the forest and the river - ebony carving, butterfly-wing art and raffia work sold in Bangui's artisan market. Here is what travellers bring home from Central African Republic, where the good versions live, and the export questions worth a look - alongside our 21 written places.
🛒 The classic buys
Ebony and hardwood carving
Figures and animals carved in Bangui workshops - the artisan market near the centre sells direct.
Butterfly-wing pictures
The country's distinctive craft - mosaics assembled from naturally collected wings; buy from established makers.
Raffia and basketry
Woven mats, baskets and hats from forest fibre - light and honestly made.
Coffee
Forest-zone robusta and arabica - roasted locally and cheap.
⚠️ Check before you buy
- Diamonds are strictly controlled - buying stones outside licensed channels is illegal and dangerous; there is no casual gem shopping here.
- Check what your home country lets in for butterfly-wing and insect material - some require permits.
✗ Better left behind
- Ivory and wild-animal parts - banned.
- Any gemstone offered informally - illegal to export.
Keep planning
Markets shift, workshops close and open, and the best souvenir is still the one with a story you were there for. Buy from makers where you can, keep receipts for anything substantial, and when a deal feels too good, it usually is.