The Creative Art of Willow Moroccan Craftsmanship

You will undoubtedly have noticed that the Moroccan craft industry, these last years, has more than ever the wind in stern at the international level and especially as regards interior decoration.
Traditionally, the Moroccan craft industry, which groups together many trades and know-how, has been able to arouse interest to obtain an irreproachable reputation.
The craftsmen, masters, apprentices and self-taught, have always made utilitarian but also very decorative objects. The reputation of Moroccan craftsmanship in the world is unequalled. The inspiration, innovation, creativity and talent of all those involved in this rich and varied craft never go unnoticed.
Major brands, companies, and numerous magazine articles devoted to interior decoration, but also exterior decoration, thus highlight the richness and variety of Moroccan craftsmanship with creations that are constantly innovating to give birth to unusual objects.
Colored baskets, baskets, wood, cushions, various bags, candles, ceramics and pottery, carpets, lamps, palm trees, furniture… Moroccan craftsmanship has always been known, but in the modern, more modern world, it has also had to adapt.
Moroccan craftsmanship is rich, ancestral, timeless, and brings together a lot of knowledge and traditions, both Arab and Berber, which inspire most creators and decorators.
THE RICHNESS OF CRAFTSMANSHIP IN MOROCCO
The Berbers, the first known inhabitants of Morocco, were the forerunners in this field of craftsmanship.
It was thus in the work of wool, for the work of iron, silver, and clay for pottery. After the period of Islamisation, other forms of handicraft appeared with the arrival of the Arabs.
The work of copper, wood… Pottery, weaving, copperware, blacksmithing, leatherwork, jewelry, embroidery, reflect the personality of the Kingdom.
The cultural wealth, the history, the craft industry is along with agriculture, a key economic sector for the country it is also the second sector for job creation.
SECTORS OF THE MOROCCAN CRAFT INDUSTRY
If Moroccan craftsmanship is ancestral, it is since 2000 that cooperatives, companies, and individual entrepreneurs have been created to take advantage of this national wealth. Production concerns two distinct sectors: products intended for all the daily needs of the population and products intended for the national market and export, including all articles dedicated in particular to decoration.
The craft sector in Morocco is divided into sectors such as decoration, closures, ceramics, carpets, leather, weaving, wrought iron, candles, furniture… This includes traditional architecture, clothing, cosmetics, and all local products, including saffron, essential oils, argan oil, fig oil, and spices.
When we approach Moroccan craftsmanship, we should not miss the Moroccan Berber craftsmanship, which for generations has shown sumptuous know-how. Moreover, the artisanal creations of certain people highlight oriental and Arab-Andalusian or Hippano-Moorish influences.
The jewels are also like carpets, one can distinguish between urban and rural jewels, and the craftsmen are often grouped by districts and this for all the cities of Morocco.
For the north of Morocco, Tetouan and its Andalusian influences favor Hispano-Moorish art. Ceramics and wood are particularly worked in this city.
The wood is covered with a specific coating, the motifs are painted and varnished, in the same way, that ceramics feature simple, rather geometric patterns; the colors used are generally red, yellow, blue, and green.
Still in the north of Morocco, the city of Tangier is rather the city where the innovation of the potters is worthwhile. Inspired by other cities, the potters of Tangier produce distinct pieces often decorated with flowers or feathers. Zellige features contemporary motifs and Berber geometries.

After Tangier in the south, the city of Rabat is home to a large craft center. The “rebate” carpet remains the most important and most sought-after production in this region, these carpets are mostly red, and it is the carpets of the Moroccan city which are the flagship of this city. The embroidery and the work of these women are also famous.
Near Rabat, the town of Salé also offers beautiful ceramics made of bricks, white clay, and alluvial earth. For these creations, the potters use three wood kilns, one for the bricks, one for the ceramics, and the last one for the ceramics of public utility.
The pottery of Salé is known as Slaoui pottery. The colors are discreet; the shapes are sober, most of the time the outline of the floor is engraved. Basketry is also important; wicker, rattan, and rush are worked to give very beautiful hand-made items. Finally, Salé also makes monochrome embroidery which generally uses very few colors.
In Casablanca this time, the economic capital of the Kingdom, there are also many trades dedicated to handicrafts, although the city is the most industrial in Morocco.
For example, the Mediouna carpets of the region, which resemble those of Rabat, have also made a name for themselves.
CRAFTSMANSHIP IN MOROCCAN COASTAL CITIES
The craftsmanship of the city of Safi is known for its many potters. This art offers pieces that also use polychrome, so we think that the pottery of Safi is a variant of the pottery of Fez .
The fortified town of Essaouira is famous for its precious stones and inlaid thuja. Already in ancient times and in Rome, the tables of Essaouira were known. The inlays made by wood craftsmen for marquetry are made of cedar, lemon, mahogany, ebony, Madagascar ebony and walnut wood. Some pieces have additions of copper or silver or even mother-of-pearl.
Agadir is famous for its Berber jewelry, not far from the cities of Taroudant, Tiznit and Immouzer, silver and bronze jewelry offer beautiful pieces. The gems can be cut by hand, cast with lost wax, others are molded. They also produce beautiful silver pieces. Other bronze pieces are also of great purity of line.
CRAFTS AND MEKNES, THE IMPERIAL CITIES
The craft industry of Fez is one of the most flourishing in Morocco and in particular the artistic creation. Earthenware, blue or polychrome, on a white background, makes all its fame. The glazed and varnished ceramics, constantly evolving, have an impeccable reputation and, beyond the borders of Morocco, the works of art of Fez make the city famous throughout North Africa. The dominant cobalt blue is the distinguishing feature. Not far from Fez, in more rural areas, craftsmen are also engaged in weaving and basketry, as well as cane objects.