Artisanat

Local artisans produce a wide range of products. Although the equipment used varies greatly, each profession has a tradition and history dating back centuries. Most of the craftsmen of Benin have inherited their trade to continue producing the same crafts that their families have produced several generations. Thus, for many visitors, shopping for handicrafts in Benin is the most fun and most interesting to learn about the rich history

and culture of the people. And, of course, you end up leaving with beautiful memories!

The Center for Promotion of Handicrafts Cotonou is the largest center where you can buy such souvenirs, and you will find crafts from all regions of Benin. Here is a summary of the main types of items produced, as well as places where you can find out Cotonou:

Woodcarving

Woodcarving is the most widespread and most historically significant crafts of Benin. The sculptural tradition began during the kingdom of Dahomey, producing the thrones of the kings of Abomey, the doors of ancient palaces and particularly mysterious masks and sacred Guèlèdè. These decorative masks of Yoruba origin are still used today in traditional ceremonies. Other objects carved wood found throughout Benin include statues and figurines, stools and tables and chairs elegantly decorated. Allada, Abomey, Covè Gbanamé and are considered the centers of wood sculpture of Benin.

Cloth

The rich traditions and folklore of the Beninese people are so lively peints on tapestries woven fabrics and rich colors. In the South, you find articles from weaving tablecloths and clothing to handbags and even hammocks. The most unique aspect of weaving in the South is the representation of animals symbolizing the ancient kings of Dahomey. The weaving centers in the South are Abomey and Toffo (near Allada). The web North is of particularly high quality because of the superiority of the son of Burkina Faso often used, and then the people Bariba is known for its bright patterns and rich colors. The weaving centers in the North include Nikki, and Bembereke Natitingou.

In addition to woven cloth, the traditional tapestries of Abomey is one of the crafts the most popular benign. During the reign of the kings of Dahomey, only artisans kings were allowed to make the same tapestries representing the 12 symbols of Dahomey as well as other symbols associated with traditional folklore.

Leather and Jewelry

Leather bags made in northern cities such as Djougou Boukoumbé and are among the crafts the most popular of Benin. Many leather Northern manufacture bags on order models on Americans or Europeans. In the South, animal skins and wood are used to make decorative drums or “tam-tams. They are used in traditional ceremonies and dances and can be easily found in Porto Novo, Abomey and Comè.

The metal work and silverware are also found in Benin. In the South, you find bracelets, rings and statues made of nickel, copper and bronze in most city markets. In the north, these items as well as aluminum swords and even silver jewelry are available in cities like Parakou, Djougou and Nikki.

Pottery and Basketry

There are several types of pottery, basketry and crafts made in Benin, where a wide variety of materials are used. The pottery clay is in Porto-Novo and Abomey, and North Tourou (near Parakou) and Tanougou (near Natitingou). In the North, it also produces bowls and plates from a large calabash gourd called. In the South, this gourd is cut and dried to make miscellaneous items such as drinking glasses and decorative lamps. Baskets and mats wicker be found everywhere in Benin, particularly in Abomey, Porto-Novo and Comè (near Ouidah)

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