Abd El Jalil is one of four of remaining damascene artisans in Morocco. All of them are located in Meknes. He is over 70 years-old and still continues to use his hands in the same manner as his father and grandfather. He represented Morocco and his art in several programmes abroad. Abd El Jalil and his peers are disillusioned by the lack of interest from the younger generation to excel in the artisanship of damascene, rendering it a dying art in Morocco.  

Abdou specialises in restoring vintage rugs, and in 'azta' style weaving in Berber. After finishing his university studies, Abdou decided to return to his roots and now manages his father’s business. His shop is a real incarnation of the mythical Alibaba Caverne, with a secret entrance, full of precious treasures. When he is not restoring rugs or other items, he is reading about the history of weaving “azta” in Berber. He has helped several researchers tracing the history of weaving in Morocco.

Habiba specialises in weaving Zemmour rugs. She moved to Zemmour after her marriage, and met people from different cultures and regions of Morocco. Being young, she learned weaving and excelled in weaving the Zemmour rug after years of practice. A strong woman, she fought for her rights and that of her peers, and formed a cooperative to protect their rights. Today, more than 50 women in the town and countryside are working in the cooperative she set up. Their efforts were recognised by the Ministry of Artisanship of Morocco and they were awarded a quality label. 

Hassan specialises in Moroccan leather excision. Hassan comes from a family spanning several generations of leather artisans. He is specialised in leather excision, a technique that he inherited from his grandfather as well as embroidery. He earned the quality label from the Moroccan Ministry of Artisanship. He is keen to spread his knowledge by teaching his techniques to trainees each year. His work is visible inter alia at Marakech Palace La Mamounia and his biggest pride is that six of his former apprentices are now employed by the Royal Palace of Marrakech.

Ibrahim specialises in brass and copper forging. He has a strong passion for brass and copper work. He is innovative and creative in the way in which he designs new objects. In the era of developed (laser) machines, Ibrahim refuses to opt for facilities at the expense of the handmade charm. He hosts in his company, several trainees and apprentices every year and collaborates with his peers for big projects.

Laila specialises in weaving and restoring handira bridal throws and rugs. She grew up in a house of artisans. She helped her mother weaving rugs and often travelled with her father to sell them. Laila learned the secrets of the artisanship from the best, and she was rewarded by the Moroccan Ministry of Artisanship when she acquired a  quality label. She specialises in handira bridal throws that she weaves and restores. She is one of the main suppliers of handira throws and rugs to local hotels, including the Palace Mamounia in Marrakech. Today, her cooperative is home to more than 60 women.

Sfia specialises and has gained recognition in vegetal dyeing techniques. She hails from a rural town, Tazenakht, hidden in an obscure corner of the High atlas Mountains. She was determined to share her skill and artisanship with the rest of the world. That’s when she formed a cooperative, with other women in the region. She regularly participates in most national and some international events in an effort to gain recognition for all her efforts. She also helps other cooperatives in the area by sharing best practices: vegetal dying techniques, new patterns and weaving techniques, spotting high quality wool, etc. She was praised for her work and passion by a quality label from the Moroccan Ministry of Artisanship.

Zahra specialises in the knotting technique typical of Marmoucha rugs. After Zahra lost her husband in the war, she became the sole provider for her children. She made a living by using the skills and training she received from the women in her family as a little girl. She soon learned to knot high quality rugs, a skill traditional to where she grew up. She was discovered by the Moroccan Ministry of Artisanship and acquired a quality label; she was also given recognition as the “best artisan” in her field. Since then, she formed a cooperative and a community of all the women who played a role in her achievement.

Assiya is currently working closely with her father and learning the ropes in order to take charge of the family business. Her father used to specialise in hand-stitched embroidery work, however, as cheaper machine-made alternatives emerged in the markets he adapted to using embroidery machines in order to 'keep up, increase production to survive in the industry. Needless to say, these aren't comparable to the quality of hand-stitched embroidered work. Assiya took on the challenge to bring back the art of hand-stitching embroidery and is encouraging other young women to rebuild their relationship with this complex but beloved and exquisite method. Moroccan embroidery is well known globally and we are delighted to work with Assiya in preserving this age-old indigenous artisanship.