The Arts of Morocco is a way of life inherited by instinct, experience, and the spirit of beauty. As soon as you visit this ancient and historical country, you will enter a museum with various arts and local cultures.
Arts of Morocco
fabric
Women in Morocco are famous for their unparalleled skill in weaving carpets. At the same time, men are entrusted with selling them in the traditional markets. Each region of the country is famous for its style. Perhaps the most prominent among them are the Middle Atlas carpets, especially those woven in the Zemmour region (with its red background adorned with a soft hint of orange or yellow), as well as those known in the Taza region (which has a white experience or retains the natural color of the wool), not to mention Saniat Meknes (with colored background). In contrast to the Amazighcarpets, the Rabat carpets are dominated by an oriental tinge, as the red color records its presence remarkably.
the wood
Wood is classified as one of the most prominent ornamental materials and is particularly popular within traditional homes, riads and palaces. In such spaces, the tall wooden doors decorated with the finest carvings cast their heroism on spacious courtyards, where the ceilings, which, too, are still elegantly decorated with wooden carvings. For reference, the types of wood used in this place vary. We mention, for example, cedarwood, thuja wood, lemon wood, and others. Carved and inlaid thuja wood is often used to make vases, decorative tables, trays, and mashrabiyas.
traditional clothes
The kaftan and the djellaba remarkably furnish the everyday Moroccan traditional clothing wardrobes. It is noteworthy that the demand for wearing it is still high within various circles, especially during religious occasions and weddings, not to mention Ramadan nights. The origin of the caftan, a women’s dress, is attributed to the Ottoman Empire. The kaftan comes in the form of a long dress that reflects the manifestations of grandeur and luxury and is detailed based on luxurious materials (velour, silk, brocade) and studded with precious metal threads, gold or silver. As for the jilbab, which is considered an outer garment, it is popular among both women and men. Thanks to the creativity of Moroccan fashion designers, the caftan and the robe are constantly adding new touches in line with developments in the fashion world.
Porcelain and ceramics
Among the schools that excelled in the pottery industry, three significant schools compete in the pottery industry, the most prominent of which are the Masfio School, the Fasian School, and the Amazigh School. While the Amazigh pottery is characterized by its simple decoration, the ceramics of Fez and Safi are known for their decoration that relies on decorated zellige and colors, which are features that bear the hallmarks of Islamic art.
Skin
The leather industry is a well-established part of the history of Morocco, as evidenced by the origin of the word (maroquinerie). In this regard, three artisanal actors exchange roles for the sake of the leather industry, namely, the tanners, the dyers, and the leather makers. Among the most prominent leather products, we mention but are not limited to leather sofas, bags, wallets, and other accessories. For information, the cities of Fez and Marrakech have been famous for centuries for manufacturing slippers.
cooking arts of Morocco
Mediterranean par excellence, with a Amazigh, Arab and Jewish flavor
Moroccan cuisine is classified among the wealthiest kitchens in the world. The secret of its fame lies in the abundance and diversity of its flavors and colors until it has become, in this field, an essential cultural reference.
Couscous has become a trendy traditional dish. Thanks to its fame, this dish could cross borders and thus find a special place for itself on the tables of the most prominent international restaurants. For reference, the food preparation method differs according to the region and family customs.
In turn, the tagine is classified among the most basic dishes in Moroccan cuisine, if not the most famous of all. As for the origin of its name, it is taken from the pot itself, that ceramic pot painted with a substance that gives it a striking luster and splendor, and in which the cooking process takes place on a quiet fire burning on the embers of wood charcoal. This dish’s ingredients vary greatly, including meat, vegetables, fruits, and spices.
festive occasions
seasons
The word seasons refers to those large gatherings organized annually and furnished with recreational activities that come in processions, folk songs, dances, and tbourida. These occasions, held for meditation and prayer, have always contributed to bringing Moroccans together on rituals, beliefs, and traditions.
For reference, the Tan-Tan Season was classified by UNESCO in 2005 as a masterpiece of humanity’s oral and intangible heritage.
wedding parties
In Morocco, marriage is an occasion during which large festivities are organized that can last from three days to a week. These celebrations are still closely linked to the traditions and customs inherited from the ancestors in the country. The rituals used differ from one region to another, and the clothes, songs, and foods differ according to the customs and culture of the region.
other occasions
In addition to those above, other occasions constitute opportunities for community members to meet during a seasonal event (Almond Festival, Kings Love Festival, candle parade, etc.).
musical art
Music occupies a special place within Moroccan society. Given its incredible diversity, the music reflects the multiplicity of Moroccan cultures. The Moroccan lyrical kashkul includes several musical genres, the most prominent of which are Andalusian, Moroccan, Jewish, chaabi (a kashkul of popular music), Gnawa music, Hassaniya, and others. More recently, Moroccan music has found sources of inspiration in contemporary Arab music that hails from other countries of the Arab world (Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, etc.).
Al-Milhoun: arts of Morocco
Al-Milhoun was born from the womb of the artisans’ assemblies in southern Morocco. With its musical patterns imbued with the Andalusian rhombus, the melhoun is a form of composing poetry whose topics often deal with society’s social and cultural issues. The art of melhoun consists of three parts: composition, memorization, and performance, and the performance of each of these activities is entrusted to a specific teacher.
Gnawa
Gnawa music is considered one of the colors of Sufi spiritual songs that generally draw from religious heritage and evoke the memory of anGnawacestors and spirits. This popular music re-establishes Morocco’s connection with its African roots by consolidating the culture of southern Saharan origins. Gnawa art has gained international fame thanks to the integration of this spiritual music with other foreign musical genres such as blues, jazz, and reggae.
Ahwash
Ahwash refers to those musical chants associated with group dances, whose melodies sing the Amazigh villages of the High Atlas and the Lesser Atlas. This traditional style of music takes the form of dances, in which colorful performances mix with the chanting of the musicians.
Ahidous
Ahidous is a lyrical color that falls within the Amazigh expressive music that plays on the melodies of percussion instruments and is accompanied by a traditional dance in which men and women, side by side, form circles interspersed with rhythmic chants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the art of Morocco?
Moroccan art reflects the diverse cultural influences of the country, including Arab, Amazigh, Andalusian, and European traditions. Renowned for its intricate geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and diverse mediums such as textiles, ceramics, woodcarving, and metalwork, Moroccan art is versatile and distinctive.
Among the most well-known types of Moroccan art is zellige, a traditional mosaic characterized by complex geometric motifs often used to adorn walls, floors, and fountains. Moroccan carpets, handwoven by Amazighwomen, stand out for their striking geometric patterns and vibrant colors.
Islamic calligraphy is also highly prized as an art form in Morocco, often used to decorate mosques, homes, and other structures. Similarly, Moroccan metalworkers are renowned for their lanterns and decorative trays, while pottery, especially from Safi, is renowned for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors.
Moroccan textiles, including woven blankets, clothing, and decorative fabrics, are distinguished by their intricate embroidery and vibrant colors. Overall, Moroccan art reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and is admired nationally and internationally for its diversity, beauty, and exceptional craftsmanship.
What arts are important in Morocco?
Morocco possesses a rich artistic heritage that includes Islamic calligraphy, textiles, pottery, zellige, and metallurgy.
Islamic calligraphy holds particular prestige, adorning mosques and homes with magnificent works.
Textiles, especially woven carpets and embroidered shawls, are crafted by Amazighwomen using ancestral techniques.
Moroccan pottery, especially that of Safi, is famous for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, often adorned with Islamic calligraphy.
Zellige, a traditional form of mosaic, is used to decorate walls, floors, and fountains with complex geometric patterns.
Moroccan metalworkers are renowned for their lanterns, trays, and other decorative objects.
These arts are an integral part of Morocco’s cultural heritage and are admired both nationally and internationally.
Where did Moroccan art come from?
The art of Morocco has evolved and been influenced by various cultures and traditions over centuries. The origins of Moroccan art date back to the indigenous Amazighs of the country, who adorned their textiles, ceramics, and jewelry with complex patterns and designs.
However, Moroccan art has also been influenced by the many civilizations that have occupied the country over the years, such as the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Moors. Each group brought its artistic styles and techniques, which were integrated into indigenous artistic traditions.
Islamic faith has also had a significant impact on Moroccan art, particularly in the realm of calligraphy, which is highly valued in Islamic culture. Many mosques, private residences, and public structures in Morocco feature exquisite Arabic calligraphy created by Moroccan artists.
The geography and climate of Morocco have also influenced Moroccan art. The vibrant colors and geometric patterns of Moroccan textiles and ceramics are believed to have been influenced by the country’s warm climate and lush landscapes.
Moroccan art synthesizes diverse cultures and traditions, and its distinctive style and techniques reflect the country’s long and varied history.
What are the crafts in Morocco?
Many traditional crafts are still practiced in Morocco, reflecting a long history of accomplished craftsmanship.
Weaving is an important practice, with Amazighwomen using ancestral techniques to create handwoven carpets and blankets.
Moroccan pottery, especially that of Safi, is renowned for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, made using traditional methods.
Moroccan metalworkers are renowned for their lanterns and decorative trays, while leatherwork produces high-quality items, notably in Fes.
Woodworkers craft decorative objects with complex geometric patterns, while embroidery is practiced by many Amazighwomen using traditional techniques.
These crafts are essential to Morocco’s cultural heritage and are still practiced with passion by many artisans.