From the dense green of Loango’s rainforests to the salt-slick breeze off Libreville’s Atlantic shore, Gabon feels carved by water and wood.

Markets hum with the rasp of hand tools, the scent of smoky palm oil and grilled fish, and the sparkle of brass and beadwork—everywhere you look there’s a story shaped by okoumé trees, Punu faces, and riverine rhythms.

Whether you’re hunting for wearable art, a piece of the forest, or something to remember the surf and surfacing hippos of Loango by, here’s what to buy in Gabon to bring home authentic Gabonese souvenirs.

1. Okoumé Wood Carvings

Why pick this up: Okoumé is Gabon’s signature timber—light, fine-grained and perfect for detailed sculpture. A carved figure or bowl transports a little of the rainforest’s scent and texture home with you.
What to look for: Smooth finishing, clear grain, and carvings that respect the wood’s natural lines; ask whether the piece was carved from sustainably harvested okoumé. Hand-signed work by a known carver is a bonus.
Price bracket (2025): 3 000–250 000 XAF (small souvenirs to large sculptures)
Where to find it: Artisan stalls at Marché Mont-Bouët in Libreville, galleries in Port-Gentil, and craft cooperatives near Lambaréné and Makokou.

2. Punu Masks

Why pick this up: The white-faced Punu masks—slender, serene, with coiffed hair—are iconic of southern Gabonese artistry and make a dramatic wall piece.
What to look for: Real Punu masks use soft patination and fine hairline carving; tourist reproductions are common so ask about provenance and age if authenticity matters.
Price bracket (2025): 30 000–1 200 000 XAF (craft versions to older authentic pieces)
Where to find it: Specialist galleries in Libreville, markets during cultural festivals, and reputable dealers who can explain the mask’s origin.

3. Kota Reliquary Figures (Mbulu Ngulu)

Why pick this up: These mirror-adorned, abstracted figures from the Kota people are striking and steeped in ritual history—perfect for collectors of African art.
What to look for: Polishing on the metal faces, wooden core integrity, and honest dealer documentation for older pieces. Contemporary interpretations are also available for modern interiors.
Price bracket (2025): 100 000–2 000 000 XAF
Where to find it: Fine art galleries in Libreville and auction-focused shops; ask at the Musée d’Art for referrals.

4. Raffia and Raphia-Woven Baskets, Hats, and Mats

Why pick this up: Lightweight, vibrant and utterly practical—raffia weavings are made across Gabon and reflect local patterns and uses.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving, natural dyes or well-fixed colors, and sturdy rims for baskets. Small, flat items pack easily.
Price bracket (2025): 2 000–40 000 XAF
Where to find it: Village markets around the Ogooué estuary, stalls on Libreville’s Corniche, and craft stands in eco-lodges near Loango.

5. Ivindo Forest Honey

Why pick this up: Honey gathered from the Ivindo and Lopé forests carries floral notes you won’t find at home—a taste of Gabon’s wild interior.
What to look for: Local labeling (producer or cooperative), small glass jars for safety, and unpasteurized options if you can carry them.
Price bracket (2025): 2 500–12 000 XAF per jar
Where to find it: Makokou and Ivindo-area cooperatives, eco-lodges, and specialty stalls in Libreville.

6. Artisanal Coffee and Single-Origin Chocolate

Why pick this up: Gabonese coffee and locally made chocolate are emerging on the craft scene—forest-grown beans and cocoa processed in small batches make thoughtful edible gifts.
What to look for: Single-origin labeling, roast dates on coffee, and cocoa percentage plus origin notes on chocolate bars. Fair-trade or cooperative sourcing is a plus.
Price bracket (2025): 2 500–15 000 XAF per bag/bar
Where to find it: Specialty cafés in Libreville, markets, and boutique shops near urban centers and tourist lodges.

7. Batik and Wax-Print Textiles

Why pick this up: Bright, patterned cloths are wearable souvenirs and can be transformed into dresses, wraps, or wall hangings that echo Gabonese color stories.
What to look for: Quality of dyeing, cotton weight, and unique Gabonese motifs or hand-finished batik work rather than mass-produced imports.
Price bracket (2025): 5 000–80 000 XAF per cloth
Where to find it: Textile stalls at Marché Mont-Bouët, tailors in Libreville who will make garments, and markets in Oyem and Port-Gentil.

8. Beadwork and Brass Jewelry

Why pick this up: Necklaces, bracelets and ankle beads combine traditional beads and brasswork—easy to pack and full of local character.
What to look for: Tight stringing, secure clasps, and authentic materials (glass trade beads, local brass). Ask about symbolic meanings if you like storytelling items.
Price bracket (2025): 1 500–45 000 XAF
Where to find it: Street artisans in Libreville, craft stalls at festivals, and cooperative shops showcasing women’s groups.

9. Hand-Carved Drums and Traditional Instruments

Why pick this up: A small drum, a traditional flute, or a ngombi harp brings home the rhythms of Gabon—perfect for music lovers who want an instrument with roots.
What to look for: Solid construction, skin tension on drums, tuning pegs in working order, and clear sound when you try it out. Compact travel sizes are best for flying.
Price bracket (2025): 10 000–300 000 XAF
Where to find it: Instrument makers in Libreville, cultural centers, and artisan workshops in towns like Lambaréné.

10. Contemporary Art Prints and Paintings

Why pick this up: Gabon’s contemporary artists reinterpret folklore, urban life and the rainforest—prints and small canvases are an accessible way to collect modern Gabonese creativity.
What to look for: Signed prints, edition information, protective packaging for transport, and artist cards so you can follow their work later.
Price bracket (2025): 5 000–500 000 XAF
Where to find it: Galleries in Libreville and Port-Gentil, cultural centers, and pop-up shows during Libreville’s art festivals.

Tip: Buy ethically—ask about materials, favour cooperatives and documented pieces, and look for sustainably sourced okoumé and fair-trade sellers when shopping for Gabonese souvenirs. ✈️

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!