Reflecting the cultural diversity of Morocco, craftsmanship is know-how passed on from generation to generation. Strolling through the souks and alleys of Moroccan cities, you will discover a host of colorful handicrafts. Embroidery, pottery, and tapestry, Morocco is a country full of craft skills that have made the kingdom's reputation.
Vases, plates, and dishes, pottery was created for useful purposes. The presence of clay in the Kingdom, the raw material of this art, has allowed its development. Its use has diversified, and the manufacture of these objects has become a skill that is passed on and has lasted for several centuries.
Handmade, these terracotta creations come in different colors, some of which are specific to particular regions. Several cities are renowned for their ceramic creations, like Fez, Marrakech, Safi, and Tetouan.
Safi, an important center of ceramic production in the early 18th century, has also dedicated a museum to ceramics which houses a large collection of objects.
Cushions, sheets, tablecloths, and clothes, embroidery is popular and trendy art. Again, this heritage is passed down from family to family, a technique that most girls learn from an early age. The techniques and decorations differ from city to city and region to region. The city of Tetouan is known for its colorful fabrics.
Wood
Whether for furniture or small decorative objects, wood has worked in Morocco since the 12th century. Different trees like cedar, thuja, or walnut are used to make these objects. In addition to these everyday items, wood also decorates majestic buildings and palaces in Marrakech and Fez.
As you stroll through the streets, you will see beautiful wooden boxes decorated with engravings and drawings. The perfect souvenir to bring back from your holiday
The tapestry
Unique pieces of Moroccan handicrafts, the carpets come in different colors or black and white and have various geometric shapes. Made from sheep's wool, their manufacture requires a specific weaving skill. This know-how continues to be passed down from generation to generation. Berber rugs are now an art form and a decorative object that will add an authentic touch to your home.
Leather goods and tanneries, leatherwork is undoubtedly part of the Moroccan artisanal landscape. Shoes, belts, handbags, and wallets, not forgetting the babouches, some of the most popular items! Strolling through the alleys and souks, you will see these leather articles.
Fez is particularly famous for its open-air tannery, located in the Chouara district. You can watch the workers at work transforming the hides into leather step by step. The city is also home to many master craftspeople, who pass on their knowledge to apprentices. In Marrakech, you can discover this work near the Bab El Sabbagh gate.
Metals
Silver, iron, copper, or metals require patience and rigor. As a flexible material, iron is used to produce objects such as grills, tables, and chairs, but also more refined objects such as lamps. Copper, brass, and silver are used for brasswork, which consists of hammering a sheet of metal to form unique decorative objects such as trays, mirrors, lamps, etc. The motifs represented are varied but are most often geometric shapes or flowers. You will mainly find this craft in the cities of Marrakech and Fez.
Care
Morocco is known for its beauty care and products: argan oil and soap are two leading products.
Coming from the kernel of the Argan tree, the Argan oil grows exclusively in Morocco. Known for its body and hair benefits, the oil finds its way into cosmetics all over the world.
Black soap is an exfoliating and moisturizing treatment mainly used in hammams. This 100% natural product is composed of olive oil, black olives, and potassium. Before a massage session, it can be applied to the skin as a scrub to exfoliate dead skin.