There is no doubt that craftsmanship is a very important part of the heritage for all countries, mostly because it is a mirror that reflects their cultural and historical richness. In Morocco, visitors will be delighted with the excellent and varied types of craftsmanship that express the unique savoir-faire of Moroccan craftsmen, so full of creativity. But what is specific to Moroccan craftsmanship, and what are its famous faces and genres?
First of all, simplicity is the main characteristic of Moroccan craftsmanship, especially since craftsmen rely on natural materials such as animal skin (of which are made traditional shoes, called “L’balgha” for men and “sherbil” for women),wool (used in traditional carpets, covers, and clothes like djellabas for men) , wood (for making tables, chairs, doors, windows, beds and all sorts of furniture and decorative items), silk (for making traditional clothes for women, embroidery, etc.), clay (such as the “Zellige” mosaic tiles that are used for decorating walls and floors in traditional Moroccan buildings, or some musical instruments like the “Taarija”), etc .
Also, Moroccan craftsmen relay on very traditional materials and the beauty of the Moroccan craftsmanship can be admired in all Morocco, but especially in the old medinas. There you will find the most refined and elaborate crafts in all sorts of magnificent buildings, such as palaces, Kasbahs, riads and ksours, as well as in items of furniture (Carpentry, carpets, etc.), decoration (ceramics, “jellidj”, sculptures, etc.), and clothes (djellabas, kaftans, “jabadors”, etc.).
There are many types of Moroccan crafts. For instance, jewellery is by itself a whole world of artistry divided into Berber traditional jewellery and other types of jewellery from other cities such as Fez, as well as more modern and contemporary jewellery. Berber jewellery exists mostly in South Morocco, especially in Tiznit, and it is a king of jewellery made of silver. Other styles of jewellery, like that of Fez, are mostly made of gold.
There is also the art of “Zellige” or mosaic tile making, and Fez is its main place. There is the leather craft as well, which can be found in the souks of most Moroccan market cities like Marrakech, Tétouan, Fez or Taroudant.
And last but not least, you can admire the traditional embroidery that exists in all Moroccan old medinas, such as Fez, Marrakech and Rabat. Beginning centuries ago, Moroccan women decorated their hands and feet with henna for special occasions. Later these patterns were transferred onto pottery and then into embroidery, which is extremely precise and intricate.
In short, we can say that Morocco is a very rich country in terms of craftsmanship, which is an excellent window on its fertile and great civilisation. If you want to discover the beauty of Moroccan craftsmanship, you are welcome to Marrakech, Morocco’s favourite destination, which gives you an exciting opportunity to know more about the country’s wonderful arts and crafts, so full of beauty and creativity.
The contrast of magnificent architecture and unforgettable history makes Casablanca a fascinating place to visit. It is the amazing city that is gaining in popularity every year as it becomes cheaper to fly to Morocco.
Morocco had always been a country I was curious about. It’s blend of North African and Arabic influences gave it this air of mystique that drew me in. Plus, you know, I like couscous. So I had high expectations when I decided to pop over from Spain and explore the country for three weeks.
