Various and multiple materials are finely worked by hand with machines and tools that have remained largely traditional, to make decorative and everyday objects. Tableware, furniture, jewelry and clothing, you will certainly be tempted to take some Moroccan souvenirs with you!

Moroccan craftsmanship and, you will no doubt have noticed it in recent years, more than ever the wind in its sails internationally and especially in terms of interior decoration. Traditionally, craftsmanship in Morocco, which brings together many trades and know-how, has aroused interest to the point of obtaining a flawless reputation. Craftsmen, masters, apprentices as well as autodidacts have always made useful objects, but also very decorative. The reputation of Moroccan craftsmanship in the world is well established, the inspirations, innovations, creativity and talent of all the players in this very rich and varied craftsmanship never go unnoticed.

Moroccan rugs

In the regions of Rabat, Fez and Tetouan, a variety of Moroccan handicraft products are available to you, including the rugs which are in the spotlight in the medinas.

 

CRAFTS FROM COASTAL TOWNS

The craftsmanship of the city of Safi is well known for its many pottery. This art offers pieces that also use polychromy, which is why we consider Safi pottery as a variant of Fez potter.

The city of Essaouira is famous for its jewelry and for its cedar marquetry. Already in antiquity and in Rome the tables of Essaouira were renowned. The inlays of the cabinetmakers for the marquetry are made from cedar, lemon, mahogany, burnt wood, Madagascar ebony and walnut. Some pieces offer additions of copper or silver wires, or even mother-of-pearl.

Agadir is famous for its Berber jewelry, not far with the cities of Taroudant, Tiznit and Immouzer, silver and bronze jewelry offer very beautiful pieces. Jewelry can be hand sculpted, lost wax casting, others are cast. also produce beautiful silver coins. The other bronze pieces are also of great purity of lines.
The Chtouka fibulae make the reputation of the city of Tiznit.

Not far from the desert:

Ouarzazate offers pretty “ Ouzguitas”Colorful works made by different tribes including the Ait Ouaouzguite, Ait Ouaya, Ait Tidili, Ait Abdallah, Ait Semgane, Ait Zenaga, and many others… It is the wool taken from Aït-Barka breed sheep , they are lightweight rugs with geometric designs that often use bright blue and yellow as colors.

The pottery of Tamegroute , near Zagora, with its very particular green and brown ochres, these shiny and slightly jagged pieces is also famous around the world. Moreover, in Tamegroute, the potters of the region still keep all their secrets.

 

 

Marquetry and Thuja

Essaouira is a beautiful port city located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

The city is well known for its artisanal marquetry in thuja wood root. In Essaouira, you can find thuja wood in all its forms: trees, forests, tables, sculptures, etc.

Artisans use thuja wood to design decorative objects as well as utility items.

If you walk through the old medina of Essaouira, you will notice the high number of thuja objects for sale. And this goes from crafted lamps to salad spoons.

 

HANDICRAFTS FROM FEZ AND MEKNES, THE IMPERIAL CITIES

The craftsmanship of Fez is one of the most flourishing in Morocco and especially for artistic creation. Earthenware, blue or polychrome, on a white background has made its reputation. The varnished ceramics which has over time constantly evolve, has an unfailing reputation and this, outside the borders of Morocco, the works of art of Fez make the city famous throughout North Africa. The dominant cobalt blue is the distinguishing feature. Not far from Fez, in more rural areas, artisans also work in weaving and basketry, as well as objects made of reed.

Meknes holds the fame of imperial city with the quality and very fine craftsmanship in various fields, those of the embroidery, the damask, brasswork, leatherwork, woodcarving, ceramics, and weaving. The embroidery is famous, very inspired by that of Fez, the colors differ as well as the stitches used. The Orientals remain masters in the art of damascening which consists of inlaying smooth or twisted threads of silver, gold, copper in the metal, it is decorative objects above all that promote this art.

Azrou , its weaving and woodworking have undergone significant expansion. This small town at the crossroads of the roads of Fez, Meknes, Khenifra and Midelt has a renowned artisanal cooperative. Beni M’guild rugs made by the Sanhaji tribe,woven with brown or black wool and knotted very specifically provide quality rugs. The patterns are often geometric, the rhombus is used a lot, the bands and the checkerboards, in the same way, more vivid colors are also used by other tribes of the region. For the sculpture of objects in cedar, mahogany or walnut, the artisans of this region are the pioneers of genres …