A Guide to Moroccan Crafts
Culture & Shopping

A Guide to Moroccan Crafts

Rachid El Haddad
March 1, 2025
10 min read
6,900 views

A Guide to Moroccan Crafts

Morocco is a country where craftsmanship is a way of life. From handwoven rugs to intricate pottery, each piece tells a story of cultural heritage passed down through generations. Exploring Morocco’s souks and artisan workshops isn’t just shopping — it’s stepping into centuries-old traditions.

Here’s a guide to the **most iconic Moroccan crafts**, where they come from, and how to buy them authentically.

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1. Moroccan Carpets & Rugs

  • **Beni Ourain Rugs**: Thick, wool rugs from the Atlas Mountains with minimalist black-and-white designs.
  • **Azilal Rugs**: Colorful, abstract patterns, often telling symbolic stories.
  • **Kilim Rugs**: Flat-woven textiles with geometric designs.
  • **Where to buy:** Middle Atlas villages, Fes and Marrakech souks.

    **Tip:** Always ask if rugs are handmade or machine-made. Authentic rugs take weeks to months to produce.

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    2. Leatherwork

    Fes is home to the **Chouara Tannery**, one of the oldest in the world. Here, artisans use natural dyes and centuries-old techniques.

  • **What to buy:** Leather poufs, slippers (*babouches*), bags, jackets.
  • **How to spot quality:** Real leather has earthy smell, soft texture, and natural imperfections.
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    3. Pottery & Ceramics

  • **Fes Pottery**: Famous for intricate blue-and-white zellige (mosaic tiles).
  • **Safi Pottery**: Known for colorful plates, bowls, and tajines.
  • **Tagines**: Functional clay pots used in Moroccan cooking.
  • **Tip:** If you want to cook with a tajine at home, buy an **unglazed clay one** (glazed ones are decorative).

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    4. Metalwork & Lanterns

  • Brass, copper, and silver lamps are hand-cut with intricate patterns.
  • Lanterns cast magical shadows when lit.
  • Also look for trays, teapots, and mirrors with engraved designs.
  • **Where:** Marrakech and Fes souks, artisan quarters in Tetouan.

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    5. Jewelry & Amazigh (Berber) Silver

  • Traditional Amazigh jewelry is bold, chunky, and symbolic.
  • Often features coral, amber, and turquoise stones.
  • Tiznit is Morocco’s jewelry capital.
  • **Pro Tip:** Test with a magnet — real silver is not magnetic.

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    6. Textiles & Weaving

  • **Blankets & Shawls**: Handwoven wool from Chefchaouen.
  • **Cactus Silk (Sabra)**: Plant-based textile with shimmering finish.
  • **Kaftans & Djellabas**: Traditional garments, often hand-embroidered.
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    7. Woodwork

  • Thuya wood from Essaouira is prized for its rich scent and patterns.
  • Artisans craft chess boards, jewelry boxes, and inlaid furniture.
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    8. Spices & Perfumes

  • **Ras el Hanout**: Complex spice mix for tagines.
  • **Saffron**: Grown in Taliouine, highly valuable.
  • **Rose water & oils**: From the Valley of Roses.
  • **Amber & musk perfumes**: Sold in solid blocks or oils.
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    9. Buying Crafts Ethically

  • Support artisan cooperatives, especially women-led ones.
  • Ask for demonstrations — many artisans are proud to show their work.
  • Bargain respectfully (start at 50–60% of the asking price).
  • Avoid mass-produced items found in tourist traps.
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    10. Best Cities for Crafts

  • **Fes**: Leather, pottery, zellige tiles.
  • **Marrakech**: Lanterns, rugs, and textiles.
  • **Chefchaouen**: Blankets and woven goods.
  • **Essaouira**: Woodwork and argan oil.
  • **Tiznit**: Jewelry.
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    Final Thoughts

    Moroccan crafts are more than souvenirs — they are **living art forms**. By buying directly from artisans, you don’t just bring home a beautiful piece — you help keep centuries of tradition alive.

    Whether it’s a handwoven rug, a silver pendant, or a carved wooden box, Moroccan crafts add a piece of Morocco’s soul to your home.

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    Related Posts

  • [What to Buy in Morocco — Souvenirs Worth Bringing Home](/morocco-souvenirs-guide)
  • [A Food Lover’s Guide to Morocco](/moroccan-food-guide)
  • [Exploring the Atlas Mountains](/atlas-mountains-guide)
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    Tags

    CraftsSouksArtisansMorocco

    About the Author

    REH

    Rachid El Haddad

    Travel writer and Morocco expert with over 10 years of experience exploring North Africa.

    Quick Stats

    Reading Time:10 min read
    Views:6,900
    Published:March 1, 2025
    Category:Culture & Shopping

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