Handcraft in Cuba

What to Look For: A Guide to Cuban Crafts

Wood Carvings & Sculpture

Cuban artisans have a long tradition of working with the island’s beautiful hardwoods. Look for pieces made from local materials like cedar (cedro), mahogany (caoba), and ebony (ébano). Popular subjects include detailed models of classic American cars, figures of local people like farmers (guajiros) and musicians, native animals, and elegant abstract forms. You will also frequently see carvings of orishas, the deities central to the Santería faith.

When you are considering a piece, take a moment to smell the wood—genuine cedar has a distinct and pleasant aroma. Keep in mind that true ebony is exceptionally dense and will feel quite heavy for its size.

Ceramics & Pottery

Pottery traditions vary across the island. The city of Trinidad is well-known for its rustic, red-clay terracotta pottery, while Camagüey is famous for its massive, decorative clay pots called tinajones. Throughout Cuba, you will find a variety of common ceramic items, including hand-painted decorative plates, coffee mugs, small whimsical sculptures, and classic cigar ashtrays.

Please be aware that some ceramic pieces use glazes that are intended for decorative purposes only and may not be food-safe. It is always best to confirm with the seller if you intend to use an item for eating or drinking.

Leather Goods

You will find a wide array of leather products in Cuban markets, from simple sandals (chancletas) to belts, wallets, and bags. The quality of these goods can vary significantly from one vendor to another. Before making a purchase, take a moment to carefully inspect the item. Pay close attention to the quality of the stitching, the sturdiness of the hardware like buckles and zippers, and the thickness and feel of the leather itself.

Textiles & Needlework

The guayabera is the iconic Cuban shirt, prized for its comfort and classic style in the tropical heat. An authentic one is distinguished by its four front pockets and two vertical rows of intricate pleats, known as alforzas, which are often adorned with embroidery. In cities like Trinidad and its surrounding areas, you will also discover beautiful hand-crocheted items, including delicate tablecloths, dresses, and traditional doilies.

Recycled & Upcycled Art

A true reflection of the Cuban spirit of ingenuity, or resolver, is the creation of art from recycled and upcycled materials. This is a unique opportunity to purchase a piece that embodies Cuban creativity and resourcefulness. You will find remarkable sculptures welded from scrap metal, charming classic car models meticulously crafted from used soda cans, and inventive jewelry made from simple wire, colorful seeds, and other found objects.

Jewelry

Much of the jewelry found in artisan markets is crafted from natural materials. Common elements include beautiful seeds like the red-and-black pionia (also known as coralillo), polished coconut shells, carved bone, and horn. You may also notice that beaded jewelry often incorporates specific color patterns, which can represent the symbolic colors associated with the orishas of Santería.

A critical note on conservation: We urge you to refuse to purchase any items made from black coral or tortoiseshell. Both of these species are protected, and their trade is illegal and contributes to the destruction of fragile marine ecosystems. Sellers may not disclose this, so it is vital to be a responsible traveler.

Where to Shop for Handcrafts

Large Artisan Markets (Ferias de Artesanía)

These bustling markets offer the widest selection and are the best places to browse, compare prices, and get a feel for the variety of crafts available. The most notable include:

• Havana: The Almacenes San José Artisans’ Market is the largest and most famous, housed in a massive restored warehouse on the city’s waterfront.
• Varadero: The Varadero Street Market, located along 1st Avenue, is a sprawling market with a huge range of crafts and souvenirs.
• Trinidad & Cienfuegos: Both of these colonial cities feature vibrant, open-air craft markets in their historic centers, making for a delightful shopping experience.

Artist Studios & Galleries (Talleres)

For those seeking more unique, high-quality pieces, exploring artist studios is a rewarding experience. These are often found by simply wandering the backstreets of cities like Old Havana, Trinidad, and Baracoa. The primary benefit is the opportunity to meet the artist, sometimes see them at work, and purchase a piece directly from its creator. As these are original works, you should expect to pay more here than in the open-air markets.

State-Run Stores (e.g., ARTex, Fondo Cubano de Bienes Culturales)

In these government-operated stores, you will find a curated selection of officially approved crafts. Prices are fixed, so bargaining is not an option. These shops are an excellent choice if you are looking to purchase higher-quality art, such as large paintings or sculptures, as they are equipped to handle the necessary official paperwork required for export.

Pricing, Bargaining & Payment

The Art of Bargaining (Regateo)

Bargaining is a standard and expected part of the shopping experience in open-air markets and with street vendors. It is considered a friendly, social interaction. However, it is not practiced in state-run stores, where all prices are fixed. To bargain effectively:

• Always be polite, patient, and keep a smile on your face. Treat it as a lighthearted conversation, not a confrontation.
• A reasonable starting point is to offer around 60-70% of the vendor’s initial asking price.
• Your strongest leverage for a discount comes from purchasing multiple items from the same vendor.
• If you cannot reach an agreeable price, it is perfectly acceptable to smile, say “gracias,” and politely walk away.

Payment

Cash is essential. You should expect to pay for all handcrafts in cash, using Cuban Pesos (CUP). Credit cards are not accepted in markets, artist studios, or by street vendors. We advise carrying a sufficient amount of small bills, as this will make it easier for vendors to provide exact change.

Authenticity & Exporting Your Treasures

Spotting Genuine Handcrafts

To distinguish authentic handmade items from mass-produced souvenirs, keep a few things in mind. Truly handmade pieces are rarely perfect or identical; slight variations in color, size, or detail are often a sign of authenticity. Also, check the item for a signature, stamp, or mark from the artist or their workshop (taller). Be aware that certain popular souvenirs, like Che Guevara t-shirts and small, identical classic car models, are very often mass-produced rather than handcrafted.

Export Regulations for Art & Crafts

Understanding export rules is crucial for avoiding issues when you depart Cuba.

• General Souvenirs: Most small crafts and souvenirs do not require any special paperwork to be taken out of the country.
• Fine Art (Paintings & Large Sculptures): Any piece considered to be fine art requires an official permit, known as a sello, from the Registro Nacional de Bienes Culturales to be exported legally.
• Getting the Permit: Reputable galleries and state-run FCBC stores will provide this permit as part of the sale. If you buy directly from an artist or a market vendor, you are responsible for securing this permit yourself.

Please be strongly advised: Cuban customs officials are very strict about this rule and will confiscate valuable artwork that does not have the proper export permit. As a general guideline, for any single piece of art costing the equivalent of over ~$100 USD, you should inquire about the necessity of a permit.