Morocco is a country of immense diversity and natural beauty - a blending of vivid sensuality and
intense spirituality. This visually sophisticated nation possesses a highly distinctive landscape
and culture. It is separated from Europe by the Strait of Gibraltar, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean
to the west and the Mediterranean to the north. Algeria is to the east; Mauritania and the Sahara Desert
are to the south. The Rif Mountains hug the Mediterranean coast and the Atlas Mountains form the country's spine.
The brilliant arts and crafts of Morocco is an exotic mixture
of heritages - Berber, Arab, French, English, Spanish. They combine together in a country that remains refreshingly
removed
from the rest of the world. Traditional Moroccan architectural and artistic craftsmanship continues to flourish
and some 20% of the working population earn their livelihoods in craft production.
There are different types of
Moroccan ceramics produced:
unglazed pottery, originally for domestic
and utilitarian use; painted and glazed decorative ceramics, which were used as
plates and
bowls; and loose
cut tiles. Moroccan pottery is also tied to its people�s belief of magic and evil spirits. In the Middle
Atlas, pottery was used to predict the type of year a person was going to have, either a successful year or
not. People would place a couscous steamer on a tent pole and then push it off. If it only breaks into a few
large pieces, then the year will be good. If it falls and shatters into many tiny pieces then winter will be
awful and hard times are ahead.
Modern made ceramic pieces are often cobalt blue designs that shine off a
brilliant white background. Designs are often geometric shapes with leaves flowers in the pattern. The many
different shapes of pots and vases make them incredibly versatile for interior decorating.
Smaller flat pieces
can be placed on tables, while
Moroccan vases put in corners of a room to fill excess space.
Each piece of Moroccan Fes (Fez) pottery is unique because of the firing technique used to create them.
Once fired, there is no way to predict how the glaze will settle. Two pots made with the same glaze could
easily come out two different shades. This adds to the dedication and skill required for this art form.
Exquisite
Moroccan ceramics and tiles blend into any home and create a one-of-a-kind Moroccan style d�cor touch.
No matter how big or small the piece is, it is bound to attract expressions of awe and admiration.