Morocco is a country with many facets. It boasts a variety of climates, preserved regional languages, and diverse landscapes. There is so much to discover in the Kingdom of Morocco. Regardless of the city you decide to visit, the souks are undoubtedly must-see places to witness the beauty of Moroccan craftsmanship. This craftsmanship has likely been showcased in magazines or on social media, as it is currently very popular. It is rich, ancestral, and above all, timeless. These three qualities have enabled it to be exported around the world. From decoration to fashion to architecture, Morocco leaves its mark everywhere. Muda Paris invites you to discover 6 gems of Moroccan craftsmanship. Let’s get started!
1- Pottery
Clay is very abundant in Morocco and constitutes a raw material of exceptional quality. Several Moroccan cities are well known for their pottery, including Fes, Meknes, Marrakech, and Tetouan. While pottery originally served to make objects useful in daily life, pottery artisans have evolved their craft to offer decorative pieces as well. Jars for food preservation, couscous plates, tagine plates, bowls, plates, and jugs… Depending on the city they come from, pottery may come in specific colors, such as Fes blue or the unique green of Meknes pottery. Sometimes, it is the patterns that distinguish the origin of the pieces.
2- Carpets
A true revelation in the world of decoration, Berber-inspired carpets continue to be highly coveted. From the minimalist carpets of the Aït Ouaraïne tribes to the colorful ones of the Azilal Tadla region in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, it is impossible to miss them! This exceptional know-how combines mastery of raw materials (notably sheep’s wool), ancestral weaving techniques, and regional specificities, making each carpet a unique piece. They are then considered works of art in their own right.
3- Leather
Leatherwork is so deeply rooted in Moroccan craftsmanship that the word “maroquinerie” (leather goods) comes from the French word “maroquin,” which refers to the tanning of goat skin. Leatherwork is an ancestral art anchored in several cities such as Marrakech, Fes, and Meknes. Even today, there are districts dedicated to this craft, which serve as regular attractions for tourists. They can observe the work of tanners before leaving with a wallet, a satchel, or even cushions.
4 — Traditional clothing, a must-see of Moroccan craftsmanship
Moroccan traditional clothing includes the gandoura, djellabas, caftans, and jabadors among its must-sees. Depending on the occasion, climate, and season, men and women wear clothing that is specific to them. In an era where the textile industry has exported its production to constantly reduce costs, Morocco has managed to preserve its traditions and still has artisanal workshops combining handcrafted designs and embroidery. To complete the outfits, it is easy to find babouches or chachiyas for men. This craftsmanship exports very well as the Moroccan diaspora is attached to its heritage. Indeed, they are keen to wear these clothes even in their daily lives. It is thus not uncommon to see men wearing gandouras to go to the mosque, for example.
➡️ Discover all the Muda Paris outfits !
5 – Cosmetics
The beauty secrets derived from the Moroccan nature are highly coveted. Essential oils, argan and prickly pear oils, as well as clays such as ghassoul, etc. The Moroccan soil offers all the essentials for body care. It showcases the flora and subsoil of Morocco, which are full of exceptional materials.
6 – Basketry
Here too, you certainly couldn’t miss the trend of basketry in decoration. If baskets, tote bags and other baskets have become must-haves, you will also find hats and even furniture in Moroccan basketry! The most commonly used materials are rattan, reed, willow and dried palm leaves! Artisans work on the raw materials, prepare them, then weave, twist and braid them, using a variety of techniques to create exceptional objects.
Zellige, jewelry, hats, woodworking, brassworking, etc. This article is certainly not exhaustive! In our era where industrialization is the norm, Morocco has managed to preserve its craftsmanship. The Berbers are actually the pioneers in Moroccan crafts, and their knowledge is passed down from generation to generation through manual tradition. It is in this spirit that Muda Paris calls upon artisanal workshops for the making of its traditional clothing. Sewn and embroidered by hand, each piece is carefully crafted with authenticity. To learn more about traditional clothing and see all our beautiful creations, visit our online store!
0 Comments