Moroccan Woodwork

In Morocco, there is an ancient tradition of woodworking that goes back thousands of years. You can see excellent examples of this craftsmanship, both historical in the museums and still thriving in souks (markets). Regional specialties abound. In Essaouira, look for items made of thuya, an aromatic wood with beautiful burls that is carved into boxes and bowls of all sizes, sculptures, chess sets, and even furniture featuring thuya alone or inlaid with other woods such as ebony, lemon-tree, and cedar. Fez and Tetouan specialize in painted boxes and cradles. Fez and Meknes feature mousharabies¸ screens allowing Muslim women to remain unseen while observing the goings-on in the street, and latticework composed of small foot-turned wooden elements, and created in such a way that once assembled, present sophisticated geometrical shapes. In Marrakech, colorful hand-painted octagonal tables are both highly decorative and utilitarian. Larger, architectural items highly prized for interior design include elaborate antique doors, painted and sculptured panels, and mirrors and chests of wood inlaid with henna-dyed bone.