Moroccan art, culture, and history are rich and varied, especially that of the Berber/Imazighen peoples, who make up around three-fifths of Morocco’s population. Berbers are the indigenous people of North Africa, whose history stretches back thousands of years.
Berber men in traditional clothing.
Notably, the artistic techniques of the Berbers have remained relatively unchanged, and their influence on Moroccan art is strongly felt in the museums across Marrakesh, as well as in villages of the High Atlas Mountains.
Exploring Berber Art in Marrakesh
For anyone interested in exploring more of Morocco’s Berber past, the Jardin Majorelle and the Berber Museum are staples. They are in the sleek former studio of the French artist Jacques Majorelle. The Jardin Majorelle is the culmination of over forty years of work which started in 1922 and opened to the public in 1947. It is painted from roof to foundation with a deep cobalt blue, which is reminiscent of the shade used in Berber houses and decorative titles.
Entrance to the Berber Museum in Jardin Majorelle.
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Inside the museum are over six hundred pieces of textiles, jewellery, ceramics, and clothing. The first thing encountered upon entry are information boards outlining the history of the major Berber tribes, such as the Zayanes and the Rifains. These explain that every tribe has slightly differing customs, artisanal output, and graphic styles.
Despite this, Berber art has many common features, chiefly bold geometric patterns and motifs. Throughout the museum, multi-sensory experiences are deftly incorporated. This is most notable in the display of figures wearing Berber headdresses and jewellery.
The exhibition is arranged in a semicircle in a darkened room, framed by mirrors and illuminated by twinkling lights set into the ceiling. The lighting effectively illuminates and reflects off the metals, painted woods, and stones of the bejewelled mannequins. The mannequins themselves are comprised of matte black material giving the impression that each headdress and set of jewellery is suspended.
Moving into the ceramics, the distinctive customs of the Berber tribes acquire a further layer of complexity; in different regions and villages, the creation of ceramics would either be practiced solely by men or women.
Exploring Moroccan Crafts: A Journey Through Artisanal Heritage !
Lastly, the textiles and carpets are also striking. However, to gain an in-depth understanding of Moroccan textiles, the Dar Si Said Museum is far more comprehensive.
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Dar Si Said Museum: A Deeper Dive into Textiles
The Dar Si Said is located among the winding dusty red valleys of Marrakesh’s Medina. Once found, you are greeted by videos of women immersed in weaving.
Example of Moroccan Textiles.
Common Features in Berber Art
- Bold geometric patterns
- Distinctive motifs
- Use of vibrant colors
- Varied artisanal output
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tags: #Moroccan
