An artisan is a skilled manual worker who handcrafts decorative or functional items which consequently have unique qualities in contrast to the mass produced products available everywhere today.
The artisanal tradition in Marrakesh is rich, varied, alive and flourishing - from architecture to weaving, from jewellery to 'zellij' mosaic floors, from pottery to metalwork and leather goods.
Just take a wander through the Marrakesh souk to see artisans at work - watch a felt bag being hand-crafted so that the finished article (including the shoulder strap) is clearly made as one piece with no seams or stitching. Amazing!
Or see for yourself wool being dyed before being woven into clothes or carpets (including kilim tapestry-woven rugs) or Berber rugs with sequins hand-stitched on.
