Ghana

Kente cloth. Kente is a traditional Ghanaian textile woven on a loom in long, bright-colored strips, which are sewn together. Kente cloth originated as the royal garment of the Asante, and today the Asante and Ewe people weave Kente. Buy it in Accra in the National Cultural Centre and at the bustling Makola and Kaneshie markets, or in shops in Kumasi.

Aku'aba fertility dolls, Ashanti stools. Carved wooden Aku'aba dolls signify beauty and fecundity, and are believed to bring fertility to the women who own and care for them. Wooden Ashanti stools are carved with animals and village scenes, and symbolize royalty. Find both at the Arts Centre by the ocean in Accra and at the outdoor market in Kumasi.

Drums and musical instruments. Ghana is famous for its percussion instruments. Visit the Arts Centre in Accra for the best selection. You can try the instruments there and if you're lucky, you might catch a spontaneous drumming session.

Beads. Ghana is renowned for its beads, including antique trade, powder glass, painted glass, recycled glass, and lost-wax brass beads. Visit the bead market in Kofridua for the best selection. In Accra, buy new beads at the Makola market, and old beads outside the Italian Embassy.