While yellow babouches and painted tajines may be all the rage in the souks, textiles and weaving is really where the heart of true Moroccan artistry lies. Textile production is the most substantial artistic tradition of Morocco. The number of Moroccans involved in textiles and the extent of materials used is immense. Textile production in Morocco dates all the way back to 1500 BC when Berbers first came to North Africa. They brought fundamental weaving techniques used for practical, magical, and religious purposes.
Berber women wove textiles used for shawls, blankets, rugs, tents, sacks, pillows, and mats. Over time, they learned more specialized weaving and dyeing techniques, adding a large range of artistic symbols, designs, and motifs. In the 7th century, textiles became an essential part of the Moroccan economy which still carries through till today.
The techniques created by these Moroccan artisans have been preserved over the centuries, mainly because weaving and embroidery are a fundamental part of the daily life of the people, but also because they are believed to act as a source of magic and power.
Moroccan tribal textiles are some of the most dazzling and impressive in Africa. The variations of design patterns, vibrant colors, and variety of textures make them quite distinct from other Islamic and African textiles.
The traditional weavings of Morocco served practical purposes — furnishings for houses or tents, and personal clothing. Textiles could also indicate wealth, social status, religious background, and the daily life of the weaver. Weaving allowed women a rare freedom of expression even within the boundaries of conservative design traditions.
For non-nomadic families, textiles served as beds, blankets, chairs, pillows, cloaks, and decorations. For nomads, the same textiles became roofs, doors, partitions, and walls of mobile homes. The central “table” in Moroccan households is often a large decorative rug placed on a divan.
Many decorative textiles carry sacred meaning. A handira is used to wrap a bride on her way to her new home. Some blankets serve as funeral gifts. The finest textiles decorate guest tents during festivals or are taken to saint tombs as offerings.