10 handcrafted treasures for a traditional journey to Marrakech

Planning a trip to Morocco? Discover the treasures of Marrakech’s traditional crafts.

Enveloped in the hustle and bustle of its colorful souks, Marrakech reveals a wealth of traditional craftsmanship. A trip to the heart of the Ochre City is a plunge into the world of talented craftsmen, where each object tells a thousand-year-old story.

From delicately adorned pottery to hand-woven carpets, Marrakech ‘s craftsmanship is an invitation to escape. Ready to discover the 10 treasures that are the pride of this Moroccan city? Let us guide you on a journey through Marrakech’s traditional crafts.

Zellige, Marrakech’s vibrant mosaics

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Admire the beauty of zellige and plunge into the heart of Marrakech’s traditional craftsmanship. This typical North African mosaic inherited from Islamic architecture is characterized by geometric and floral motifs of all sizes and colors, created from earthenware tiles. You’ll find these small polished stones in the souks of the Medina, as well as in the city’s palaces and historic monuments.

To make your experience as authentic as possible, take the time to stroll through the winding streets of the Marrakchi markets to find a workshop offering demonstrations. From the molding of clay to the elaboration of nuances, you’ll discover a unique ancestral know-how.

Berber carpets, treads on living history

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If you dream of adorning your home with a Berber rug, then don’t miss the opportunity to discover these exceptional pieces during your trip to Marrakech. Reserved for women and girls, the tradition of weaving has been handed down over the centuries among the nomadic tribes of Morocco. Made from goat’s or sheep’s wool, each model is unique and its ornaments are carefully chosen. Each pattern tells a story and has a meaning related to religion, nature or the Amazigh imagination.

Even today, these carpets are still made by hand in the old-fashioned way, making this traditional Marrakech handicraft precious and exceptional. You can find your rare pearl with specialized craftsmen in the souks of the Medina. But don’t hesitate to venture into the Berber villages around the red city. Here you can visit women’s wool-weaving cooperatives and learn more about the manufacturing process.

Pottery, caresses on ancestral clay

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Would you like to explore Marrakech’s traditional crafts? Don’t miss pottery, an ancestral practice dating back over 1000 years. Made with clay and natural dyes, it’s renowned for its variety of shapes, colors and patterns. Green, ochre, saffron yellow and cobalt blue are just some of the shades on offer, which can be found on tagine dishes, spice containers and lamps, among others.

Here again, pottery-making requires skill and precision. From the preparation of the clay, which has to dry for several days in the sun, to the hours-long firing and meticulous decoration, modelling an object is a real work of patience.

Leather, supple and timelessly elegant

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Leatherwork, the emblem of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, has a very ancient history. The word  » maroquin » refers to goatskin and sheepskin. Today, it is used as a common term to define the shaping of this noble material. Local craftsmen work meticulously to produce quality products ranging from babouches to bags, jackets and belts.

To learn more about this craft, visit the various areas specialized in leather goods, such as the famous Tanneurs district. Isolated from the city’s souks, this is a very picturesque part of Marrakech. You’ll discover how animal skins are transformed during a visit. A word of advice: make sure you have a few sprigs of mint under your nose, as the smell from the vats can be unpleasant.

Jewelry, the brilliance of expertise

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Moroccan jewelry is an essential part of Marrakech’s traditional craftsmanship. This age-old heritage represents an important legacy. The jewelry, crafted from silver, copper or brass, is finely worked and adorned with a variety of motifs. They are synonymous with refinement and elegance, and bear witness to the millennia-old intermingling of the different civilizations that have occupied the Kingdom.

Berber necklace or Tuareg ring, take the time to ask about their origin and meaning. Moroccan ornaments are charged with symbolic and protective values. The most complicated part may be choosing, as these jewels can take on a wide variety of shapes, geometries and beads.

Metalworking, a reflection of vibrant craftsmanship

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Discover the history and uniqueness of brassware in Marrakech. Local craftsmen have inherited ancient techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation to create original metal objects. Using methods such as hammering, engraving and chasing, they are able to bring to life pieces of great finesse.

You’ll find beautiful utensils and decorations created from materials such as copper, brass and nickel silver. Dishes, lights and mirrors will bring a unique oriental atmosphere to your home. To immerse yourself in the exciting world of traditional Marrakech craftsmanship, head to the boutiques and workshops in the must-visit markets of the Pearl of the South.

Marquetry, a journey to the heart of Moroccan wood

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Immerse yourself in the world of marquetry and woodworking to discover the particularities of this unique traditional Marrakech craft. This woodworking technique involves chiseling a wooden support to inlay shell fragments such as mother-of-pearl, or silver-plated metal filaments, creating a veritable mosaic.

Local products are highlighted, such as cedar wood, which is easy to varnish and wax, and lemon and orange trees, which offer lighter shades. Let yourself be guided by the sound of chisels echoing through the workshops, and pause to observe the masterful craftsmanship of these Marrakchi artisans.

Basketry, weaving a perpetuated heritage

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Basketry and wickerwork are an integral part of Moroccan daily life. Originally intended for domestic use, for collecting fruit and vegetables, for example, they are now used in a multitude of decorative items. Baskets, hats and boxes of all kinds fill the stalls of the souks.

Made from plant materials such as reed or palm leaf, these pieces take shape when the stems are dried, woven and braided using a variety of techniques. Discovering basketry is a must, and will add an authentic touch to your Moroccan experience.

Embroidery and weaving, textures woven from tradition

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Discover the rich tradition of tarz weaving in Morocco. This ancient practice has symbolic importance and is deeply rooted in Berber culture. Traditional fabrics are made from wool and cotton, with remarkable motifs. The art of embroidery is a high-precision work that demands a great deal of rigor and meticulousness.

To find the best items, don’t miss the Broderies souk near the Ben Youssef mosque. Take your time browsing for authentic, hand-crafted pieces.

Sabra, plant silk with a thousand reflections

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Sabra or vegetable silk is a fiber derived from the cactus plant, and is a treasure trove of Marrakech’s traditional crafts. The ochre city is world-renowned in this field. Once reserved for the nobility, this material is now used to make a wide range of decorative objects such as cushions, rugs and wall hangings.

While it’s obviously possible to find sabra items in the souks of Marrakech, we recommend a visit to a rural women’s cooperative. Expert craftswomen can show you their creations and explain the cultural importance of this fiber in Moroccan society.

Exploring Marrakech’s handicraft treasures, you’ve discovered a rich and diverse cultural heritage. These authentic objects are the fruit of ancestral know-how held by local craftsmen. So why not discover these wonders for yourself during your visit to Morocco? What’s the first artisanal object you’ll discover?