Moroccan Shopping & Handicrafts |

Moroccan Shopping & Handicrafts

Moroccan crafts are a fundamental part of Moroccan life. Moroccan cooperatives have been working wood, metal, copper, wool, linen, stone, and clay into distinctly Moroccan products for centuries. Although Morocco has developed and modernized in many ways, Moroccan arts and crafts are still produced in the traditional ways. Traditional craftsmanship is still highly valued in Moroccan culture.

MOROCCAN LEATHER-WORKING

Morocco has a thousand types of Moroccan leather-working, all of which are of old tradition -in Fes and Marrakesh a whole district is reserved to tanners.

Fes, Marrakesh: wallets, desk sets, babouches, leather poufs etc… Tetouan, Chefchaouen, and Taghzout: multiple-compartment bags, leather- covered earthenware, plates and belts. Marrakesh: Camel saddles (used as seats).

Metals Copper

The Maghrebian household uses a great deal of copper industry products because copper is a material which captures dazzling light. Wrought irons: They are worked into candleholders, lampshades, bars, mousharabies and mirror frames. They are wrought in Marrakesh, Safi, Fes, Ouarzazate and other regions of the country.

CARPET WEAVING

All activities of the Moroccan artifacts go a long way back and carpet weaving is certainly the oldest of all.

There are two types of carpets in Morocco. Rural carpets: which are the oldest and Urban carpets (each of these fall into an infinite number of categories). Urban carpets: Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Marrakesh. Rural carpets: Berber carpets of the Middle Atlas (Azrou) ; of the region of Zadrs (Oulmes), of Shishaoua (Marrakesh) and of Ait Ouaourguite (Ouarzazate).

MOROCCAN JEWELRY SILVER

It is worked in the villages of the plateau and in the mountains. Silver is a precious metal valued in the rural areas while gold is very sought after in cities. Silver by itself or combined with coral and amber, makes heavy and stern jewelery such as Fibulae chains, necklaces, forehead diadems, bracelets and anklets. The southern mountains, the Anti- Atlas and the Bani represent the stock house of Berber jewelry. The silver jewels worn by the nomads are sold in the markets of the south: Goulimine-Tiznit- Risani and Tan-Tan.

MOROCCAN JEWELRY GOLD

By itself or combined with emeralds, pearls and Turquoise, gold composes more fragile and refined jewels: Rings, necklaces, pendants and diadems. Gold is worked in these cities: Fes, Essaouira and Tangier. If women crave for jewels, so do their husbands, who value the sumptuous gold and silver daggers inlaid with precious stones.

CERAMICS

Clay is turned into jars, vases, plates or plain dishes (tajines). It is generally embellished with touches of tar or illuminated with sophisticated arabesques.

The most famous pottery is made in Fes and Safi. Salé specializes in decorative pottery with colored glazing.

THE STONES

The soft stone of Taroudant is used in carving boxes and inventive paper-weights. These objects are chiseled into rough geometrical decorations. Unworked mountain stones such as quartz, amethysts, manganese, crystals etc… are sold along the roadsides of the Grand and Middle Atlas.

EMBROIDERY

The dark-blue Fes embroideries are the most famous ones. Those of Rabat-Salé, Meknes, Azemmour, and Tetouan are famous as well.

This needlework is executed with brightly colored silk threads and bears the name of the place where it is embroidered. The embroideries are featured on table-cloths, table-sets, (napkins and table-cloths), fancy-works, velvet or gold and silver lamé silk Kaftans.

BASKETWORK

Baskets, frails, trays and colored straw-boxes are hand-made in almost every village. In the Rif (region of Tangier and Tetouan) country-women wear huge hats. Basket-work souks can also be found in cities such as Fes, Marrakesh and Salé.

Explore Other Activities & Adventures

Art of a Moroccan Hammam

activities

The Moroccan bathhouse (hamam; from Arabic ḥammām) is the North African variant of a steam bath. Hammams have played an important role in cultures of the Middle-East and North Africa serving as places of social gathering, ritual cleansing with special customs attached to them. The majority of Moroccans visit a hammam at least once a week. While the process involved in visiting a Hammam is similar to that of a sauna, it is more closely related to the ancient Roman bathing practices.

Bird Watching in Morocco

activities

Located near the beach of Mehdia, 13 km from Kenitra, 35 km from Rabat, the bird sanctuary at Sidi Boughaba fresh water lake is an important biosphere and nature reserve which hosts flocks of migratory birds. It is on the main migatory route from Europe to Sub-Saharan Africa .The lake which, is mainly fed by groundwater,is the only natural freshwater range on the northwest coast. It is more than 5 km long and runs beside the road to Sidi Taibi, where the kouba of the marabout of Sidi Boughaba is situated.

Guided Canyon Adventure

adventure

A popular trip for all ages, canyoning in Morocco’s Ourika Valley near Marrakesh is an adventurous activity for thrill-seekers. Canyoning involves descending deep mountain gorges and canyons safely with ropes and harnesses. Canyons can be dry or wet, depending on the season and weather conditions. Canyoning is an exciting way to see the natural wonders of Morocco up close.

Marrakesh By Air

adventure

Spend the day on expeditions starting with a stunning hot air balloon ride over Marrakesh at sunrise, followed by breakfast in a Berber tent, and a leisurely ride atop camels through an oasis of palm nurseries.

Moroccan Shopping & Handicrafts

activities

Moroccan crafts are a fundamental part of Moroccan life. Moroccan cooperatives have been working wood, metal, copper, wool, linen, stone, and clay into distinctly Moroccan products for centuries. Although Morocco has developed and modernized in many ways, Moroccan arts and crafts are still produced in the traditional ways. Traditional craftsmanship is still highly valued in Moroccan culture.

Quad Biking in Morocco

adventure

Discover Morocco’s great Sahara desert or the seaside coastal town of Essaouira on a quad. Morocco is ideal for quad biking. It’s Grand Sahara Desert, Atlantic beaches, and mountain terrain provide the perfect atmosphere for adventure. Quad biking is available as part of our Great Adventure Tour or as an add on to your Morocco vacation.

Top 10 Places To See

activities

When you travel to Morocco the best places to visit include the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes and Meknes. This is where you find wonderful bazaars, palaces and bustling town squares. Morocco is also famous for its beaches and some of the best seaside towns include Essaouira, Tangier and Asilah. Morocco also has natural beauty. You can hire a camel and trek through the Sahara; climb North Africa's highest peak; or stay in a traditional Kasbah in the fascinating Dades Valley.

Zip line Across the Atlas

adventure

Terres D’Amanar is a stunning estate located at the foothills of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, just 30 minutes outside of Marrakech Terres D’Amanar abuts the pristine forests of Toubkal National Park. Ziplining at Terres D’Amanar is one of the many activities that can be done during a private tour to Morocco. The Terres d’Amanar estate is a grand example of ecotourism in Morocco done at its best. Terres d’Amanar is suitable for families, couples and groups.

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