Visitors to Marrakech will be stunned by the beauty and the richness of Moroccan craftsmanship, which occupies a crucial place in Moroccan society. Moroccan crafts reflect the rich culture and history of this country. Traditional hand dressmaking in particular is one of the most attractive areas representing the creative skill and savoir faire of Moroccan craftsmen, who have signed their positive and effective contribution to the development of this art in preserving its original style.
In this article I will focus on some of the most famous types of traditional hand dressmaking and the specificities of this art and its uses.
There are several reasons for which traditional hand dressmaking in Morocco is a very specific craft and art. First of all, dressmakers and tailors relay on their hands only in most of their work, which relies fundamentally in an ancestral heritage of designs, techniques and expertise. Also, their work is characterised by its very high quality, with extremely refined virtuosity in their needlework, lace, and embroidery. Moreover, dressmakers use elemental materials of the highest quality, as well as many types of fine fabrics such as silk, cotton, velvet, satin, gold thread, etc.
There are two types of traditional hand dressmaking in Morocco. First, we find those dressmakers specialised in making clothes for men. The most common men’s outfit is the famous “djellaba”, a long dress that can be elaborated in different colours and fabrics, including cotton for everyday use, and linen or wool for warmer or colder places (i.e. the Atlas Mountains) respectively. In some regions the colour of the djellaba indicates the marital status of the bearer.
There is another kind of dressmakers who work in preparing women’s clothes, including women’s “Djellaba” too, which is used as an everyday life dress and also takes deferent colours and tissues. The “Kaftan” is one of the most famous traditional clothes original from Morocco and has an international dimension. Kaftans are often used in special occasions and celebrations such weddings, birth celebrations or engagement parties. Nowadays, there are many types of Kaftans that are much more modern and more fashionable, and there are several couturiers who have developed their design in many interesting and novel ways.
Dressmakers use numerous techniques to prepare their clothes. For example, “Sfifa” is one of the favourite types of dress fastener for women made of plaited noble fabrics. This and other kinds of dressmaking can take many colours that are suitable for the colour of the tissue and represent many patterns that can be large or thin. There is also the “Dfira”, meaning “plait”, which is put in the centre of the Sfifa, and the “Loocad”, meaning “knots”, which are also used to decorate the “Sfifa”.
There are many other types of techniques, fabrics, and designs used by traditional dressmakers in Marrakech. Traditional hand dressmaking is an important and fertile field where visitors can appreciate and enjoy the charm and beauty of Moroccan craftsmanship, which is a clear mirror that reflects the unique savoir-faire of Moroccan craftsmen. This art represents the rich identity as well as the immense cultural, historical, and artistic wealth of this country.
If you want to discover more about this fascinating art, I invite you to come to Marrakech and visit Morocco’s largest souk, where you will find all sorts of handmade garments and traditional clothes. For your accommodation, the Ochre City welcomes you with open arms to some of the most splendid riads in Marrakech. You can rent a riad in Morocco for your holidays, a riad with pool and all comforts in one of the most fascinating, charming and delightful cities in the world.
Siham Ben Chikh studied in the special centre for the blind Organisation Alaouite Pour La Protection Des Aveugles in Taroudant, Morocco. She obtained her Baccalaureate in English Literature from the Mohammed VI High School in Ouarzazate, her DEUG Honours English Diploma and BA Degree in English Studies from the Ibnou Zouhr University and her Communication Studies Certificate from the American Association Sea English Academy International in ISIAM, Agadir.
Author: Siham Ben Chikh
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger
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