Moroccan Crafts to buy on your next visit to Tangier

Find out why a visit to Tangier is incomplete without acquiring captivating Moroccan crafts for your home.

Wander through the same winding streets once frequented by creatives like Matisse, Capote, and Ginsberg, and you'll see that Tangier is a city rich in art and history. If you've explored the lively city of Marrakech and seek a change from Fez or Casablanca, Tangier offers an enticing bohemian blend of creative talent that is worth exploring. Tangier is not only abundant in art but also located by the coast, making the beaches a perfect place to unwind. Additionally, its seaside position allows for enjoying fresh seafood between browsing the vibrant array of Moroccan crafts ready to be taken home as souvenirs. 

Why visit Tangier for Moroccan souvenirs?

Tangier is a gem in Morocco’s already dazling crown. Just a brief ferry ride from the Spanish coast and one of the top travel destinations in Morocco, this city offers more than meets the eye. One of the main attractions is the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. You won't have to worry about high prices or crowded spaces, as Tangier provides a more local experience in craftsmanship. Stay near the Medina and don’t hesitate to haggle. It's often beneficial to browse first, showing little interest, and then return to negotiate a good deal. However, remember that Moroccan crafts often involve labor-intensive processes that should be appreciated when buying. As you explore the souks, you'll find yourself drawn in many directions by the array of treasures. Just be cautious not to overdo it when selecting souvenirs, as you don't want to exceed your suitcase's weight limit. The Barcelo Tangier is an idyllic spot to rest and relax while looking for Moroccan crafts

What makes Moroccan crafts unique?

The city was originally inhabited by the indigenous Amazigh people of North Africa. Over time, the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, and Byzantines have all left their influence on Tangier. The result is a rich blend of culture and artistic styles ready to be discovered. In the souks, you can find a variety of handcrafted art pieces, including leather goods, woven bags, tea glasses, jewelry, tablecloths, towels, carpets, and rugs. These treasures are meticulously crafted by locals using both machines and traditional tools to create decorative everyday items as well as more luxurious pieces.

Moroccan art and crafts are highly valued culturally both within Morocco and globally. You can learn about their significance in Tangier society at the Kasbah Museum located in the old town. Here, you can embark on a journey through artefacts from key historical moments in the city’s development. 

Experience Moroccan Mosaic Art Up Close

To witness ancient Moroccan craftsmanship in its natural setting, head directly to the Kasbah of Tangier. To reach this cultural gem, you'll pass through the Medina, a vibrant world teeming with life and art. Encounter snake charmers and see women balancing their shopping in baskets on their heads. Once inside the Kasbah, you'll be dazzled by the stunning Moroccan garden art and the traditional mosaics adorning the walls. The tiles create a cool, serene atmosphere that has long inspired artists visiting the city. Additionally, it's just a short distance from the Kasbah Museum, allowing you to easily combine both visits for a culturally rich morning exploring the city's vibrant history. 

Everything You Need to Know About Moroccan Craftsmanship

Moroccan crafts are far more than a fleeting interior design trend; they are part of a tradition that spans thousands of years. These handmade crafts from Morocco serve as storytelling instruments that convey the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Only recently have they begun to appear in homes worldwide. Berber folk art and ceramics have been discovered at archaeological sites dating back over 2000 years to Roman times. 

Berber folk art and ceramics have been found at archaeological sites dating back to Roman times, over 2000 years ago

This expertise and skill have been handed down through generations, and today, master craftsmen and women belong to guilds that foster their talent and livelihood. From Moroccan textiles inspired by henna art to Turkish-influenced Rabat carpets and Babouche-style leather shoes, Morocco is a center of creativity. Metalwork, Zellige tiles, and calligraphy are also popular forms of craftsmanship found throughout this North African paradise. You might think you've experienced Moroccan art by exploring the Moorish corners of Andalusia, but only by visiting Tangier can you truly appreciate the craftsmanship up close.

Head straight to the market in Tangier to discover the world of Moroccan crafts

Explore Moroccan Tile Art While Roaming the City

Tangier and other Moroccan cities offer a treasure trove for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces with unique elements. A must-have is Moroccan ceramic tile artwork. Did you know these tiles, known as Zellige tiles, are often referred to as the "Prince of tiles"? Their geometric patterns and intricate details have been featured as decorative elements on public buildings for centuries. The colors—brown, white, green, blue, saffron, and black—are believed to represent the five elements, adding depth to Tangier's mystical Moorish architecture. Crafting these tiles requires years of practice, making them a prized material produced by only a few skilled artisans. As you wander through the city center, you'll notice these tiles in hammams, on fountains, and adorning palace walls. You can even find versions of these tiles in the souk to take home as a souvenir of your travels.

Discover Moroccan Tapestry Art and Textile Forms

Moroccan tapestry art, rugs, and embroidery are vibrant mementos perfect for packing into your suitcase. Typically crafted by female Moroccan artisans, these textiles are readily available in local markets. However, not all rugs and carpets are the same. If you notice lozenge patterns, you are likely observing Berber weaves. Textiles from the Atlas Mountain tribes often feature large zig-zag patterns. Traditionally, these decorative textiles were made from hair, wool, and camel fur, but today, cotton and synthetics are more prevalent. 

Shop for rugs and other Moroccan crafts in Tangier

Moroccan Handicrafts Include Beauty Products

Beyond the typical Moroccan crafts used for home decoration, traditional Moroccan crafts also encompass products like Argan oil and spices. These edible treasures are integral to Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and offer numerous health benefits. Argan oil, extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree native to Morocco, is a top souvenir due to its remarkable beauty benefits, particularly in restoring and nourishing hair and the scalp. It is also applied to the body as a massage oil and is known for being a natural SPF, reducing acne breakouts, and possessing anti-aging and antioxidant properties. It is a versatile solution ready to address any beauty crisis. Grab a bottle during your holiday and add it to your beauty bag to prepare for the harsh winter weather.