Egypt’s handicraft traditions span thousands of years, with many contemporary artisans using techniques passed down from ancient times. For travelers seeking meaningful souvenirs, these authentic crafts connect modern Egypt with its pharaonic, Coptic, and Islamic heritage.
Traditional Egyptian Crafts to Collect

Papyrus Art: Genuine papyrus, made from the pith of papyrus reeds following ancient methods, features hand-painted scenes from Egyptian mythology or hieroglyphic compositions. Quality papyrus is durable, textured, and won’t flake when gently creased.
Alabaster: Quarried since ancient times near Luxor, this translucent stone is crafted into vases, bowls, and statues. Quality alabaster has a smooth finish and slight translucency when held to light. Visit workshops in Luxor’s west bank to watch the carving process.
Copper and Brasswork: Islamic-era designs featuring intricate hand-hammered patterns decorate trays, lamps, and vessels. The Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo specializes in these metalworks, with some shops still producing pieces on-site.
Blown Glass: This tradition dates to Roman Egypt, with workshops in Cairo and Alexandria producing vibrant perfume bottles, ornaments, and tableware. Distinctive Egyptian styles include colored swirls and gold detailing.
Carpet Weaving: Egyptian carpets, particularly from Siwa and the Bedouin communities, feature geometric patterns in vivid colors using wool or cotton. Each region has distinctive designs reflecting local traditions.
Khayamiya: These elaborate appliqué textiles originally decorated tents but now appear as wall hangings and cushion covers. The Khan el-Khalili’s Street of the Tentmakers showcases artisans hand-stitching intricate designs.
Woodwork: Mashrabiya (latticed wooden screens) and inlaid mother-of-pearl furniture reflect Egypt’s Islamic artistic heritage. Modern artisans create smaller decorative boxes and frames using these traditional techniques.

Shopping Ethically and Authentically

Recognize quality: Genuine handicrafts show slight imperfections that reflect their handmade nature.
Visit workshops: Seeing production methods guarantees authenticity and supports artisans directly.
Understand fair pricing: Quality handicrafts represent significant time investment and deserve fair compensation.
Check export regulations: Antiquities (items over 100 years old) cannot legally leave Egypt.
Support cooperatives: Women’s handicraft cooperatives in rural areas produce excellent textiles and basketry while providing sustainable income.

Regional Specialties

Cairo: Metalwork, Khayamiya, and inlaid woodwork
Luxor: Alabaster and sandstone carvings
Aswan: Nubian basketry, beadwork, and spices
Siwa Oasis: Embroidered textiles and silver jewelry
Fayoum: Pottery and ceramic art

At Fares Egypt Tours, we incorporate authentic shopping experiences into our itineraries, introducing travelers to reputable workshops and artisan communities. Our guides help explain the cultural significance behind traditional crafts and assist with quality assessment, ensuring your souvenirs carry both beauty and meaning.