Wood Carving from the High Atlas
While walking up the main street
of Imlil in the High Atlas you may
come across Bryam tucked away in his work shop. Stop and look
in at the clippings which are spread evenly across the floor
as the latest work of art is finished off with a coating of
oil.
The walnut trees grown in the
village make an important local resource for their plentiful
crop of nuts. When the walnut tree dies Bryam gives it another
life; in the shape of bowls, spoons, miniature mules and other
house hold implements.
The strong interlocking grain and blood
red colour of the walnut make it "the prince of woods"
for carving, so step in the door, twist your way around the
bench and get shaping when you are in Imlil.
FURNITURE DESIGN IN IMLIL
Furniture and other interior design
features can be found for sale at the top of Imlil.
Here the workshop of is a hive of activity from 8am, where you
will find Hassan and Omar starting their day .
Their latest pieces for the Kasba of Imlil are the locally grown walnut switch boxes, which are being placed
through the Kaspa to cover up the plastic features. The interior
and exterior of this famous building have all been hand crafted
by this talented team. The sun has given warmth to the outside
work shop which is used during the spring and summer months.
During the winter when the valley
is covered in snow, you will find them in Tahannout where
the warmer climate makes working outside still possible. With
the sun pushing her way through the Walnut trees, you can hear
the cut of the chisel in the hands of a mastercraftsman, drop
in and see what plastic parts of your house can be changed to
wood.
WOOD CARVING IN ESSAOURIA
Wood carving is a product
that you will come across throughout Morocco. But on the Atlantic
coast the Moroccan town of Essaouria is the centre of craftsmen, shaping everything from tissue paper
holders to elegant tables and desks.
The main hard woods used
are craft sandal, cedar, thuja and lemon wood. Here the level
of craftmanship is on another level, the beautiful mix of the
sweet smelling dark brown oil which is used to protect the carving
and the fine level of workmanship will give you a present that
you must take back home. Wood carving is the main product that
you will find for sale in Essaouria.
