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?
It has forms that are Arab, Amazigh, Andalusian, and European. It is special and can be used in diverse ways. Different materials, such as glass, metal, fabric, and wood, are used to make it. It is known for its bright colors and complicated geometric designs.
In Morocco, Zellige is a traditional tiling used on floors, walls, and pools. It has very precise geometric shapes. It is Morocco’s most famous type of art. Moroccan mats, which are colorful and simple, are very popular. They are hand-woven by Amazigh women.
Muslim calligraphy is also very popular as an art form in Morocco. It’s usually found in churches, homes, and other buildings. Moroccans are skilled at working with metal and are known for making candlesticks and pretty trays. Safi pottery is liked by many because it has bold colors and complicated designs.
Woven blankets, clothes, and home decor made in Morocco stand out because of their bright colors and skilled needlework. Lots of people around the world love Moroccan art because it is so different, beautiful, and well-made. It also shows off the country’s long cultural history.
What arts are important in Morocco?
Morocco has a rich art history, including Islamic calligraphy, textiles, pottery, zellige, and metalwork.
Beautiful works of Islamic calligraphy can be found in mosques and people’s houses.
The Amazighwomen use traditional methods to make textiles, specially woven rugs and shawls with embroidery.
Morocco’s pottery, especially the Safi style, is known for its complex designs and bright colors. Islamic writing is often added to the pieces.
A traditional type of mosaic called zellige is used to put intricate geometric designs on walls, floors, and fountains.
Metalworkers in Morocco are known for making beautiful lanterns, trays, and other home art items.
People worldwide admire these arts, which are an important part of Morocco’s cultural history.
Where did Moroccan art come from?
Throughout the years, many different cultures and customs have impacted Moroccan art. Morocco’s original people, the Amazighs, decorated their fabrics, pottery, and jewelry with intricate patterns and designs.
Still, Morocco’s art has been affected by the many cultures that have lived there over the years, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Moors. Native art traditions were mixed with each group’s styles and skills.
Islam has greatly affected Moroccan art, especially calligraphy, which is very important in Islamic society. Gorgeous Arabic calligraphy made by Moroccan artists can be found in many churches, private homes, and public buildings in Morocco.
Moroccan art has also been affected by the country’s geography and temperature. Folklore says that Morocco’s warm weather and lush landscapes inspired the bright colors and geometric designs found in its textiles and pottery.
Arabic art combines many different cultures and customs, and its unique style and methods show the country’s long and varied history.
What are the crafts in Morocco?
Morocco still produces many traditional crafts, showing its long history of skilled craftsmanship.
Amazighwomen use traditional methods to make hand-made carpets and blankets, which shows how important weaving is to them.
Moroccan pottery, especially Safi pottery, is made using traditional techniques. It is known for its complex designs and bright colors.
Moroccan metalworkers are known for making beautiful lanterns and trays; in Fes, leatherworkers make high-quality items.
Woodworkers make decorative items with complicated geometric designs, and many Amazighwomen use traditional methods to embroider.
Many artists still work hard at these crafts, important parts of Morocco’s cultural history.
