Drums are known as the kebero in Tigre and Tigrinya and are played by both sexes. However, the style of playing varies regionally. The role of the drum player is quite important, as the energy of an event depends on the energy of the player, who is judged by his or her movements.

Dancing is very popular across the country. In some parts of the lowlands, men dance in a group known as someeya. This style is very energetic and involves leaping and stick waving. The Kunaman dances are beautiful, colourful and highly sensual; people usually dance in couples, freely expressing their emotions. In the lowlands, Tigre and Blin women dance the sheleel. They shake their long, plaited hair so it swings across their faces.

Eritrean art has been deeply influenced by the war of independence. During the war, the artists' goals were to uplift the national spirit and to honour those who were fighting or had died. After independence, the government asked artists to go beyond military themes and look to the local landscape and cultural heritage for inspiration. One of the country's foremost artists is Tirhas Iyassu, who promotes gender equality through her images; for example, she paints pictures of men looking after children.

Most of the Eritrea's folklore and cultural legends are passed down orally. Eritrea has only a few writers, although the country is promoting writing in native languages.

Eritrean handicrafts are known for their vibrant colours, and each ethnic group has its own specialty. The Nara are known for their saddles and baskets. Men in the Beni-Amer tribe make a type of dagger that has an ebony hilt and a curved, two-edged blade.