Carpets, Berber Jewelry & Living Crafts

Morocco's craft culture is one of the most vibrant in the world — in the souks of the medinas, thousands of artisans work using techniques passed down through generations. This is not a staged folklore program but a living economy: Morocco's craft sector employs over 2 million people and significantly contributes to the GDP.

Berber carpets are the most famous export of Moroccan craftsmanship — and a universe unto themselves. There are dozens of regional styles that differ fundamentally: the Beni Ourain carpets from the Middle Atlas (ivory white with black geometric patterns) are minimalist and have made it into designer magazines worldwide via Instagram — an authentic Beni Ourain costs from 2,000 MAD, museum quality from 8,000 MAD. The Kilims (flat weaves) of the High Atlas feature vibrant colors and abstract patterns that tell stories — each symbol has a meaning (diamond = fertility, snake = protection, eye = warding off evil spirits). The Hanbel carpets from the plains are colorful and thickly woven, perfect as floor coverings. Haggling is a must when buying carpets — the first price is always three to five times the fair price.

Berber jewelry is an independent art form that has little in common with Arabic-Oriental gold jewelry. Traditional Amazigh jewelry is made of silver (gold was considered a material of city dwellers and was taboo for Berbers), adorned with coral, amazonite, amber, and enamel. The shapes — massive fibulae (Tizerzai), headbands, anklets, and amulets — often have a protective function against the evil eye. The best pieces can be found in the antique shops of Marrakech, Essaouira, and Tiznit (the traditional center of silversmithing in the south). Beware: many "antique" pieces are reproductions — genuine old pieces can be recognized by their patina, signs of use, and weight.

Other living crafts you can experience in the souks:

• Leatherworking — Fes has been the center since the Middle Ages. The Chouara Tannery with its colorful vats is Morocco's most photographed motif. Babouches (leather slippers) from 50 MAD, bags from 150 MAD.
• Ceramics — Fes ceramics (blue and white) and Safi ceramics (polychrome) are the two major traditions. At the Art Naji cooperative near Fes, you can see the entire process from turning to painting to firing.
• Metalwork — Copper and brass are crafted into lanterns, teapots, trays, and candlesticks in the souks. The copper smiths' alley in the medina of Fes sounds like an orchestra of a hundred hammers.
• Basket weaving — Colorfully woven baskets and bags have become fashion items in recent years. Traditionally women's work, often woven from palm leaves. From 30 MAD.