CONGO SQUARE

Named for the historical gathering place and trading grounds of African people in colonial New Orleans, enter this unique area to experience the music, art, and energy of Africa and the African Diaspora. The Congo Square African Marketplace features an array of handcrafted original artwork reflecting the roots of African culture and heritage in New Orleans, and throughout the world. Honor the Ancestors of the Diaspora and help memorialize those affected by our recent national tragedies at the Congo Square Ancestral/Egun Shrine.

Sculptures, paintings, handcrafted leather works, ceramics, jewelry and wearable art are just a few of the treasures that can be found in Congo Square and in the four artist demonstration areas. Traditional art making techniques from various cultures of the African Diaspora, as rendered by New Orleans artists, are featured in this year’s Congo Demo booths. Highlighted crafts include Ghanaian Adinkra stamping and batik techniques, Tuareg silversmithing, metallic resin sculpture, leatherworking, millinery techniques, Nigerian clay coiling techniques and painting, all by Louisiana artists.