Materials & Heritage
The heart of Gabon’s artistry lies in its materials.
Gabonese culture is rooted in Bantu heritage, shaped by the diverse traditions of over forty ethnic groups with some of the largest ones being the Fang, Myénè, Punu, and Kota. While ancestral rites, symbolic motifs, and spiritual practices like Bwiti remain deeply influential, contemporary life in Gabon also reflects a rich blend of French, American, and pan-African influences. This layered identity, where sacred rituals coexist with urban modernity, offers artists a vibrant landscape of inspiration, drawing equally from inherited memory and present-day expression.
Gabon is over 88% rainforest, part of the world's second-largest tropical forest after the Amazon, a landscape where nature and culture are inseparable and often described as one of the planet's last Edens. Sculptors carve with Mbigou stone, valued for its softness and marbled textures. Artisans work with rich woods such as ebony, okoumé, kevazingo, and padauk. These materials carry spiritual meaning, and a quiet strength that speaks through form.
Okoumé
Okoumé is Gabon’s most iconic wood. Known for its warm tones and versatility, it has been used for generations in architecture, carving, and design. Lightweight yet strong, Okoumé is a symbol of Gabon itself, deeply rooted, resilient, and enduring.
Kevazingo
Kevazingo, also known as Bubinga, is one of the most precious hardwoods in the world. Its deep reddish hues and dramatic flame-like patterns make it highly sought after for luxury furniture and art. Because of its rarity and overexploitation, Kevazingo is now protected under international law (CITES), making every legally sourced piece a true collector’s treasure.
Padauk
Padauk is instantly recognizable by its vibrant red-orange color that deepens into rich browns over time. Dense and durable, it is a favorite among sculptors for its strength and striking appearance. Padauk brings warmth and energy to each piece it shapes.
Mbigou Stone
Mbigou stone is unique to Gabon, quarried in the region of the same name. Soft to carve yet strong, it is renowned for its grey-green hue, though depending on the quarry it can also reveal an almost marbled look, with beige, light brown, or creamy streaks. Sculptors prize it for its smooth finish and its connection to Gabon’s cultural heritage, making it one of the country’s most emblematic artistic materials.
Ebony
Ebony is among the densest and darkest hardwoods, celebrated for its jet-black tones and fine texture. In Gabon, artisans also work with Royal Ebony, a rare variety streaked with light and dark veins, creating dramatic contrasts. Each cut of ebony is unique, reflecting nature’s artistry in its purest form.
Iroko
Sometimes called “African teak,” Iroko is a golden-brown hardwood valued for its durability and natural resistance. Traditionally used in both sculpture and furniture, it brings an earthy elegance and is often associated with protection and longevity.
Ebiara Wood
Ebiara wood is a locally appreciated material in Gabon, known for its workability and warm finish. While less internationally recognized, it carries cultural importance and is frequently used by artisans for practical yet beautiful creations.
Why Materials Matter
By curating works shaped from these woods and stones, Maison Ékaza honours the craftsmanship, cultural knowledge, and artistic sensibilities that have flourished in Gabon and across Central Africa.
Every piece is a dialogue between the artisan and the material: the wood or stone guides the hand, and in return, the artist gives it new life.