Music, pottery, carpets, leather, jewelry, embroidery, gastronomy.
Moroccan art is the result of the melting pot and passage of civilizations that make up the history of the Kingdom. By preserving its authenticity, Morocco has been able to renew and adapt its traditions through the centuries.
Moroccan craftsmanship
Craftsmanship in Morocco is the fruit of a double heritage; firstly, that of the Berbers, the first inhabitants of Morocco who learned to work with wool, iron, silver and clay; and later that of the Arabs who introduced leather and wood work. Rich in thousand-year-old traditions, it is divided into five main sectors: clay, wood, metals, textiles and leather. As a living art, Moroccan craftsmanship is always innovating and reinventing itself, giving birth to new creations that big brands or major Western companies love to emulate. In 2018, crafts contributed 7% to the GDP.
Weaving
In Morocco women weave and men sell carpets in the traditional markets. Each region has its own style. The most prized are the carpets of the Middle Atlas, those coming from the Zemmour region (typically carpets featuring a red background with softer shades of orange or yellow), from Taza (generally white or ecru background) or from Meknes (colored background). Contrary to Berber carpets, the Rabat carpets are more of oriental inspiration, with dominant reds.
Wood
Wood is an ornamental material particularly prized in traditional houses, riads and palaces. Large carved wooden doors open onto the patios and the ceilings are always decorated with wood carvings. Many tree species are used in the craft: cedar, thuja, lemon tree… Vases, pedestals, trays and moucharaby are also made, often in cedar, with complex inlays.
Traditional Clothing
The caftans and djellabas make part of the basic traditional Moroccan wardrobe; it is still worn in all walks of life, especially during traditional ceremonies, weddings or evenings during the month of Ramadan. The caftan, available only to women, dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It is a long ceremonial dress, cut in noble materials (velvet, silk, brocade) and set with precious metal threads (gold or silver). An outdoor garment, the djellaba is worn by both women and men. Caftans and djellabas are continuously renewed to follow fashion trends, under the impetus of Moroccan designers.
Pottery and Ceramics
Three great schools compete in the pottery arts: Safi’s, Fez’s and the Berber School. The Berber pottery is soberly decorated, those of Fez and Safi, enameled with zellige (tiles) are decorated with more motifs and colors and characterized with Islamic art.
Jewelry
Of pure Berber tradition, the manufacture techniques employed to create Moroccan jewels are: filigree (silver wire), nielle (inlay), chiseling and engraving. Fibulas and bracelets are most often made of silver and inlaid with black or colored enamel.
Leather
Leather working is a strong part of Morocco’s history, from which the French word maroquinerie or “leather goods” stems from; three trades take turns working leather: tanners, dyers and then leather workers; pouffes, bags, wallets and other accessories like slippers have made the reputation of the cities of Fez and Marrakesh for centuries.
Culinary excellence
Wholeheartedly Mediterranean, with Berber, Arab and Jewish influences
Moroccan cuisine is considered one of the richest in the world, known for its profusion of flavors and colors. It is an important cultural marker. Couscous is a staple and legendary dish that no one can ignore. This dish has crossed borders and can be enjoyed in the greatest international restaurants. The recipe for couscous varies according to regions and family customs. Tajine is one of the main dishes of Moroccan gastronomy. It takes its name from the typical glazed earthenware utensil in which it is cooked slowly on charcoal. This dish is most often composed of meat, vegetables, fruit and spices.
Festivals & events
Culture, holidays and festivals, everywhere and all year round
Moussems
The Moussems are large annual gatherings made up of processions, popular songs, dances and fantasias (traditional exhibition of horsemanship). These events, a pretext for meditation and prayers, unite Moroccans around rites, beliefs and traditions. The Moussem of Tan-Tan was proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.
Weddings
In Morocco, the wedding ceremony gives rise to great celebrations, which can last from three days to a week; it remains closely linked to the country’s ancestral traditions and customs. The rites vary from region to region. Dress, songs and food differ according to the customs and culture of the region.
Other major gatherings
Other occasions bring community members together around regular events (almond festival, cherry festival, candle procession, etc.)
You can read more about it by visiting :Â www.patrimoineculturel.ma
Music in Morocco
Music in Celebration
Music holds a very special place in Moroccan society; very diverse, it illustrates the diversity of Moroccan cultures. It is composed of several musical genres, Andalusian and Judeo-Moroccan music, chaabi (a variety of popular music), gnoua and hassani music …
More recently, Moroccan music has also drawn its inspiration from contemporary Arab music from the rest of the Arab world (Egypt, Lebanon, Syria etc.).
Malhun
Malhun was born in the craft guilds of southern Morocco. Influenced by Andalusian musical styles, Malhun is a genre of sung poetry whose lyrics often relate to social and cultural issues. The art of Malhun consists of three parts: composition, conservation and interpretation. Each of these activities is carried out by a different master.
Gnawa
Gnawa is a Sufi brotherhood music generally associated with religious lyrics, which invokes ancestors and spirits. This popular music reaffirms Morocco’s African roots through a culture with sub-Saharan roots. Gnawa art has gained international renown through the fusion of this spiritual music with other foreign musical genres such as blues, jazz and reggae.
Ahwach
Ahwach is a music and a form of collective dance practiced in the Berber villages of the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas. This traditional music is presented in the form of animations where colorful shows alternate with exchanges between musicians.
Ahidous
Ahidous is a Berber art of musical expression featuring a percussion instrument and accompanied by a traditional dance in which men and women, elbow to elbow, form rounds accompanied by rhythmic singing.