From the colorful fishing pirogues bobbing off the Îles de Los to the misty plateaus of the Fouta Djallon, Guinea hums with drums, indigo cloth, and the scent of roasted coffee.

Markets in Conakry burst with hand-carved wood, embroidered boubous, and jars of deep-red bissap; the country’s ethnic diversity,  Susu, Malinké, Peul, is written in every stitch and timber grain.

Whether you’re hunting for musical instruments, kitchen flavors, or wearable art, here’s what to buy in Guinea to bring a piece of its culture home with you — perfect for anyone searching for authentic Guinean souvenirs.

1. Djembe drum

Why pick this up: The djembe is central to Guinea’s musical life — played in village celebrations and city concerts alike — and owning one is like owning a living heartbeat of West African rhythm.
What to look for: Seek a drum with a well-carved hardwood shell (typically from local trees), a goatskin head tightened with rope, and clean, symmetrical tuning rings. Test the tone: a crisp slap and a deep bass should both be present.
Price bracket (2025): 400,000–1,200,000 GNF
Where to find it: Instrument makers and music shops in Conakry, as well as artisan stalls around Kankan and at cultural centers in Labé.

2. Hand-carved masks

Why pick this up: Masks play a role in ritual and storytelling across Guinea’s forest and savannah regions; they’re bold, expressive pieces of cultural history.
What to look for: Original wooden carvings with signs of hand-finishing (tool marks), traditional pigments, and provenance from Nzérékoré or surrounding forest communities. Avoid mass-produced tourist copies.
Price bracket (2025): 150,000–600,000 GNF
Where to find it: Local markets in Nzérékoré, artisan stalls at Marché Madina (Conakry), and galleries that showcase forest-region crafts.

3. Indigo-dyed Fouta cloth

Why pick this up: The Fouta Djallon is famous for its deep indigo textiles worn by the Peul; the cloth is soft, rich in pattern, and distinctly Guinean in style.
What to look for: Hand-dyed pieces with traditional resist-dye patterns, variations in blue shades (a sign of natural indigo), and sturdy hand-loomed weave for use as wraps, throws, or wall hangings.
Price bracket (2025): 80,000–300,000 GNF
Where to find it: Weavers’ cooperatives in Labé and Dalaba, roadside markets in the Fouta Djallon, and textile stalls in Conakry.

4. Balafon

Why pick this up: The balafon — a wooden xylophone — is at the heart of Mandé music; owning one is bringing a melodic tradition into your home.
What to look for: Evenly tuned wooden keys (often paired with calabash resonators), sturdy frame work, and clear craftsmanship from Kankan or surrounding Mandé-speaking areas.
Price bracket (2025): 1,000,000–3,500,000 GNF
Where to find it: Instrument makers in Kankan and markets selling traditional musical instruments in Conakry.

5. Hand-embroidered boubou (grand boubou)

Why pick this up: The boubou is elegant everyday wear across Guinea; a hand-embroidered version captures regional motifs and makes a striking, wearable souvenir.
What to look for: Fine needlework around the neckline and sleeves, quality cotton or bazin fabric, and styles reflecting Peul, Susu, or Mandé aesthetics. Ask for measurements or made-to-order options.
Price bracket (2025): 200,000–800,000 GNF
Where to find it: Tailors and textile shops in Conakry’s markets, clothing stalls in Kindia, and bespoke tailors in Labé.

6. Dried bissap (hibiscus)

Why pick this up: Bissap is Guinea’s beloved crimson tea — tart, floral, and served chilled or hot; it’s an easy, packable taste of the country.
What to look for: Bright, whole calyces (not powder), clean and dry with a vivid color; some vendors sell scented or spiced blends with ginger or mint.
Price bracket (2025): 10,000–50,000 GNF per 250g–1kg
Where to find it: Food stalls at Marché Madina, spice vendors in Conakry, and markets on the Îles de Los.

7. Guinean coffee beans

Why pick this up: The uplands of Fouta Djallon produce robust, aromatic coffee; beans make a portable, delicious memory of Guinea’s terroir.
What to look for: Whole roasted beans with a shiny surface, clearly labeled origin (Fouta Djallon or specific cooperatives), and recent roast dates if possible.
Price bracket (2025): 40,000–150,000 GNF per kg
Where to find it: Coffee cooperatives around Fouta Djallon, specialty stalls in Conakry, and markets in Kindia.

8. Pure shea butter and traditional soaps

Why pick this up: Hand-processed shea and locally made soaps are both practical and emblematic of West African bodycare traditions.
What to look for: Unrefined, creamy shea butter in sealed jars (no additives) or small-batch soaps scented with neem, orange, or local herbs. Check for cooperative labeling.
Price bracket (2025): 20,000–100,000 GNF
Where to find it: Women’s cooperatives in interior regions, health-and-beauty stalls at Conakry markets, and artisanal shops.

9. Cowrie shell jewelry and decorative pieces

Why pick this up: Cowrie shells were once currency and remain a powerful decorative motif — used in necklaces, belts, and home décor with coastal flair.
What to look for: Securely strung shells, combined with beads or leather, and craftsmanship that blends modern design with traditional motifs.
Price bracket (2025): 15,000–80,000 GNF
Where to find it: Beach markets on the Îles de Los, craft stalls in Conakry, and street vendors in tourist areas.

10. Lost-wax brass & metalwork

Why pick this up: Bronze and brass objects — from small statuettes to decorative plates — showcase the metalworking skills of West African artisans and make enduring keepsakes.
What to look for: Solid weight, clear detailing (signs of lost-wax casting), and patina that suggests traditional finishing methods. Ask about origins to ensure authenticity.
Price bracket (2025): 100,000–700,000 GNF
Where to find it: Metalworkers’ workshops in Conakry, artisan markets in Kankan, and galleries that support regional craftsmen.

11. Handmade leather sandals and bags

Why pick this up: Durable, often hand-stitched leather goods are practical souvenirs and reflect everyday Guinean craftsmanship.
What to look for: Quality leather, tight stitching, and comfortable soles; many sellers will custom-fit sandals to your size.
Price bracket (2025): 50,000–200,000 GNF
Where to find it: Leather stalls at Marché Madina, workshops in Kindia, and small cobblers across Conakry.

Take home a few of these Guinean souvenirs to relive the rhythms of Conakry, the blues of Fouta Djallon, and the coastal calm of the Îles de Los — and don’t forget to haggle kindly in the markets for the best stories as well as the best price. 🌍

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!