Arts and crafts Morocco

Common copper objects, this metal from the nearby mines of Irgherm.

On the first floor of a charming cream-colored house, a few notes of jazz attract the visitor's attention. Welcome to the world of Anne and Jean-Marc, designers who have been living in Morocco for 14 years and who have opened this workshop in the street that leads to the Kasbah. You can find beautiful lighting fixtures in metal and wood, and cement tile coasters. There are also magnificent labyrinthine paintings, tables, mirrors, boxes and accessories designed in very small series to bring home (or offer) an almost unique design object.

Through the centuries, the village of Tameslohte has become a master in the art of textiles. A tradition that the craftsmen holding this invaluable know-how were not willing to see die out. The Art tissage Tam cooperative therefore strives to train young generations of weavers, seamstresses and embroiderers, but also to offer high quality products, entirely hand-made and based on organic raw materials (cotton, linen, wool, vegetable silk). Beyond the loom, it is also the village that this initiative helps to sustain life.

Sufiane Zarib learned the art of carpeting from her father, who in turn learned it from his father. Today, he concentrates on design and the choice of materials. Their transformation as well as the making of the carpets are entrusted to some 500 employees. It takes no less than that to satisfy the orders of his customers, who are fond of these woven pictures. Soufiane's favourite area is the Beni Ourain, a thick ecru carpet recognizable by its rhombuses. The creator is inspired by tradition but does not exclude a touch of modernity.

A solution for all those who abhor haggling: go directly to Ben Rahal's house, which is no longer on display in Marrakech since they have been in business for over 60 years. That's how well they know the subject. Any other reason? It's a shop for connoisseurs, frequented by decorators and interior designers. There, the most beautiful carpets from Moroccan tribes are gathered, some of which are magnificent, dating from the 70s and can even be used as wall decorations. We are far from the tourist attractions that sell reproductions...

In this store, you will find many objects made of bronze or other metals: lamps, chandeliers, Berber jewelry, chiseled trays ... You can also appreciate the direct work of the son of one of the artists who participated in the restoration of the royal palace. These techniques are passed down from generation to generation and like most traditional crafts in Morocco, the designs are created as they go along. Don't hesitate to take a tour of the second floor where several paintings by Moroccan artists are on display.

Here we are in the kingdom of carpets, in this splendid 14th century house! Here, the sale is transformed into an exhibition full of colors and patterns. From ancient carpets to more recent ones, passing by Berber and Fassi carpets, the merchants unroll one by one the handmade creations of the women, who meticulously weave them according to their traditional techniques. All the carpets on display have a history, are inspected and have a certification of origin label. Even without buying, the visit is worth it just for the pleasure of the eyes!

Nostalgic for the golden age of macramé, this shop, nestled in one of the alleys of the medina, is a dedication. Wall decorations, ornate wicker baskets... the unbleached cotton thread is the king here. In Bohemia of Morroco, there is more than that of course: more traditional objects of local craftsmanship such as carpets, crockery and animal heads made of straw, antique objects and original creations are also to be found there. In this concept-store, the "beldi" standards are sometimes challenged to offer nice objects. A nice address.

This first concept-store of the city of Fez is located right in the center of the medina. It is run by Laurence Alberro, a friendly Frenchwoman, who also runs the Dar Gnaoua guest house. In this well-organized shop, you will discover a beautiful series of handmade items made with local materials: clothing, jewelry and various accessories. It presents unique pieces, from the creations of stylists and designers revisiting Moroccan craftsmanship. There are fashionable brands such as Les Maures and Jabifez... An address to discover!

Renowned for the quality of its work, this family business offers all Fez stitch embroideries, which have the particularity of being reversible. They are handmade by embroiderers who imagine the patterns as they are made. A craft work perpetuated from generation to generation, of which you can appreciate all the subtleties here. Beautiful bed sheets, tablecloths, towels and cushions in particular.

In this small shop of Souikat Bab Doukkala, Sarsar and Abdellah show their art. One paints on canvas, the other on metal plate, diverting with sometimes a touch of second degree and humour from scenes of Moroccan daily life. More often, trades or archetypes are represented in a naive and colourful style. Other plates of the same type can be seen here and there in the medina, but these seem to be of good workmanship. The prices can be negotiated, but it is necessary to stop at the right moment.

A small shop run by Youssef and Tarik who have fallen in love with the traditional pottery of Tamegroute, a village located in the Draâ valley. Known for its library of precious books, it is also known for its characteristic green ceramics. "The clay used at Tamegroute naturally contains copper," says Youssef. The enamel is also charged with it. The shop offers several everyday objects, from small cups to vases. Pretty blankets and woven fabrics are also eye-catching. The reception is pleasant.