Basketry, a traditional art perpetuated
Baskets, mats, armchairs, stools, table chairs and other pieces woven from plants or lianas: basketry remains a traditional art in the Republic of Congo, still practiced today by men. Like many African countries, it is rarely colored and almost always in natural hues. These braided objects can be found all over the country, especially at local markets. In Brazzaville, in the Bifouiti district of the capital's first arrondissement, an open-air workshop has been showcasing the work of local basket-makers since 1972. A true tourist showcase, it's a pleasure to stroll among the original creations of the craftsmen, with whom you can easily chat. It's an opportunity to find out more about the techniques used to make these products, the plants used and to appreciate the dexterity of the basket-makers.
Unique masks
As in many African countries where animism is still deeply rooted, masks have been used in traditional ceremonies and rituals for generations. They are imbued with an element of mystery and magic, linked to a spirit embodied by the wearer of the mask. Made from soft, lightweight wood for ease of use during ceremonies, they are notoriously fragile, resisting humidity and termites for little more than a hundred years. Masks can be colored with pigments (red), kaolin (white) and charcoal (black), the colors themselves carrying significance: white embodies the spirit of a deceased person, while red represents life and black can symbolize justice but also be a purely aesthetic element. As a rule, the mask is designed to impress and inspire fear, and the wearer shouts to frighten the audience. It is used to regulate the social life of the villagers, accompany funerals, control evil spirits... Each ethnic group has its own masks, distinguished by their shape, color and sometimes iconography. Batéké masks can be recognized by their geometric patterns and round or elongated shape; Punu masks by their white layer of kaolin and almond-shaped eyes; Bakouélé masks by their hollowed-out heart shape. Of course, the rarest and most precious masks are exhibited in galleries and museums, or are in the hands of private collectors, mainly in Europe or across the Atlantic. However, contemporary masks can be found at craft markets, such as those on the Plateau in Brazzaville and in Pointe-Noire.
Beautiful minerals
Known for its mineral wealth, the Republic of Congo is home to a wealth of precious stones and colored minerals with natural virtues, and enthusiasts will find it hard not to give in to the temptation to bring back a few ornamental stones, set jewelry or remarkable sculptures. Artisan markets are the perfect place to pick up beautiful locally mined stones such as uvarovite, a rare green garnet, and dioptase, a brilliant green stone extracted from the Renéville mine in the Pool department. The region is also renowned for its Mindouli mine, which contains numerous copper minerals, such as chrysocolla, blue azurite and malachite. These intensely colored stones, once sculpted by skilled craftsmen, create singular pieces that brighten up living rooms and other rooms in the home.
Wax, a colorful and fashionable fabric
Originally from Javan, the print produced in the Netherlands has won over many African countries, including the Republic of Congo, which has also adopted it in all its guises. From clothing to accessories and home furnishings, it's everywhere! In city stalls, these brightly-colored fabrics, carefully folded and arranged, are the delight of Congolese women who come to choose the finest fabrics for their future made-to-measure wardrobe, which they will have made by their dressmaker. If you have a little time, you can do the same at a reasonable price. Ask your acquaintances for advice on finding a good dressmaker. In Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, you can also find pretty accessories, such as storage boxes, cushions and other whimsical objects adorned with wax, in the few concept stores in these cities.
Other gift ideas
Many Congolese painters have made a name for themselves beyond the borders of the Republic of Congo. These include Philippe Ouassa, Michel Hengo, Marcel Gotène, Gastineau Massamba and Van Andréa. Art lovers will be delighted in Brazzaville with the many art galleries scattered around the capital, the Sahm workshops, the Poto-Poto painting school and the Musée Galerie du Bassin du Congo. In addition to appreciating the works of renowned and up-and-coming Congolese artists, the more affluent will be able to acquire a painting they've fallen in love with. As for gourmets, they'll be sure to pack their suitcases with a few local products, including Mamirene's delicious home-made jams. Free from additives and preservatives, these jams are made from local, seasonal fruit, ranging from Mayombe cherries to safou, pineapple and mango. Sold in a number of outlets in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, the jams are topped with a fabric-linen cloth to distinguish them from industrial jams. Impossible to resist: Mamirene, also an artisan chocolatier, also offers handmade chocolate. As for cosmetics, the Saboni brand is one of the best in the country. This family-run business, which started up again in 2018, makes natural cosmetics from their own plantations, reducing their impact on the environment. Soaps with aloe vera or moringa, oily macerates, vegetable sponges (loofah) or palm kernel oil, the various products are sold mainly in Pointe-Noire, in several outlets, including pharmacies.
