Essaouira is known as a city of artists and artisans par excellence, offering a unique blend of traditional products, handicrafts, and visual arts that attract visitors from all over. Thanks to its privileged location on the Atlantic coast and its rich cultural history, Essaouira has become an oasis of creativity and authentic art. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the most beautiful traditional products in Essaouira, from carved wood and famous argan products to silver jewelry and diverse visual arts, while providing practical tips for a successful and distinctive shopping experience.
Essaouira’s Distinctive Crafts: Carved Wood and Argan Products
There are certain traditional products in Essaouira that are closely linked to the city, thanks to locally available raw materials and the exceptional craftsmanship of the region’s artisans.
Carved Wood (Especially Thuya Wood)
The art of wood carving and inlay is one of the most important traditional crafts for which Essaouira is famous. Local artisans use thuya wood, a rare type of wood distinguished by its characteristic aromatic scent and unique grain. This precious wood is extracted from the roots of the thuya tree that grows in the Moroccan Atlas regions.
The carved wood products in Essaouira are diverse, including decorative boxes, small furniture pieces, chess sets, and decorative objects. You can observe the artisans at work in their workshops within the medina, particularly near the port of Essaouira and the Skala of the city.
Argan Products (Argan Oil and Derivatives)
Essaouira is located in the heart of the argan forest region, where rare trees grow exclusively in the area extending between Essaouira and Agadir. From these trees, the world-famous argan oil is extracted, considered one of the most precious natural oils globally.
The region produces two main types of argan oil: the cosmetic type used for skin and hair care, and the culinary type that gives a distinctive flavor to Moroccan dishes. In addition to the oil, you can find various derivatives such as soap, creams, and “Amlou” paste (a mixture of argan oil, almonds, and honey).
These products are traditionally made by women in female cooperatives, and visitors can visit these cooperatives to observe the traditional production method and purchase authentic products directly from the source.
Traditional Products for Personal Use and Wear in Essaouira
In Essaouira’s markets, you can find a range of traditional products related to traditional fashion and personal accessories with an authentic Moroccan character.
Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry in Essaouira is characterized by unique designs that combine Berber, Arab, and Jewish influences, as Essaouira was home to many Jewish silversmiths in the old Mellah quarter. Silver jewelry includes bracelets, necklaces, rings, and traditional ornaments adorned with precious or semi-precious stones.
Silver is the preferred traditional metal in Moroccan jewelry, and Essaouira pieces are characterized by the precision of their craftsmanship and the beauty of design that reflects the region’s heritage.
Leather Goods (Bags, Shoes, etc.)
While the city of Fez is more famous for Moroccan leather work, Essaouira also offers a distinctive collection of high-quality leather products. These products include bags, wallets, belts, and traditional shoes (babouches), as well as the famous leather poufs.
Leather craftsmanship in Essaouira is linked to its history as an active trading port, and its products stand out for their durability and high quality.
Moroccan Caftan and Djellaba
Essaouira’s souks display a variety of traditional Moroccan clothing such as caftans and djellabas. Visitors can buy ready-made pieces or order custom tailoring according to the desired size and design.
These garments are distinguished by their vibrant colors, delicate patterns, and high-quality fabrics, reflecting the skill of Moroccan tailors in sewing and embroidery.
Traditional Carpets
Moroccan carpets are among the most famous traditional products in Morocco, and you can find a diverse variety in Essaouira’s souks. Carpet styles vary between Berber carpets with bright colors and geometric symbols, lightweight Kilim rugs, and urban carpets with Arabic motifs.
Traditional carpets are made of wool or cotton, and each piece represents a unique cultural and heritage story.
Traditional Products for Decoration and Arts
To add an authentic Moroccan touch to your home, Essaouira’s markets and galleries offer a wonderful selection of distinctive traditional and artistic products.
Copper Crafts
Copper items in Essaouira include decorated lanterns, trays, tea sets, and traditional chandeliers. These pieces are distinguished by their precise hand engravings and authentic Arabic designs.
Craftsmen work to shape copper and sometimes inlay it with silver, producing artistic pieces that combine practical functionality and artistic beauty.
Pottery (Dishware, Decoration, etc.)
Pottery is one of the essential traditional products in Essaouira, including plates, bowls, tagines, and various decorative pieces. In Essaouira’s souks, you’ll find ceramics from different regions of Morocco, decorated with colors and patterns reflecting the identity of each region.
Moroccan pottery is characterized by its bright colors, particularly blue, green, and yellow, and by its detailed geometric or floral patterns.
Visual Arts and Artistic Industries
Essaouira is famous for its vibrant art scene and houses numerous art galleries and studios displaying works by local and international artists. Artworks vary between paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works.
The visual arts are considered a form of “artistic industries” that distinguish Essaouira from other Moroccan cities, reflecting the city’s creative spirit and openness to world cultures.
Where to Shop for Traditional and Artistic Products in Essaouira? A Guide to Markets, Shops, and Galleries
To find these traditional products in Essaouira and acquire unique pieces, the main destinations are the city’s markets, along with art galleries and specialized cooperatives.
Medina Markets (Traditional Souks)
The souks of the ancient medina are the main place to buy most traditional products in Essaouira. These markets are organized according to the type of craft, which makes it easier for visitors to find what they’re looking for.
Unlike the large souks of Fez and Marrakech, Essaouira’s souks are characterized by their moderate size, which makes strolling through them a pleasant and not tiring experience. Here, you can buy carved wood, silver jewelry, leather goods, carpets, copper items, and pottery.
Art Galleries
Art galleries are scattered throughout the medina and are the ideal place for lovers of visual arts and artistic industries. These galleries exhibit works by local and international artists and offer a unique opportunity to acquire authentic art pieces.
Argan Oil Cooperatives
Argan oil cooperatives are located inside the city and on the roads leading to Marrakech and Agadir. These cooperatives offer a unique opportunity to observe the traditional argan oil production process and purchase authentic products directly from the source.
Specialized Shops and Large Exhibition Halls
There are specialized shops and large exhibition halls along the main streets of the medina, offering high-quality products at fixed prices. These shops are suitable for visitors who prefer to shop in a calmer environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the souks.
The Shopping Experience in Essaouira: Bargaining and Practical Tips
Shopping in Essaouira’s markets and galleries is a pleasant experience, and to make it successful, here are some practical tips:
The Art of Bargaining: Expect to Negotiate in Traditional Markets
Bargaining is an essential part of the shopping culture in traditional Moroccan markets. When buying traditional products in Essaouira, especially in the souks, expect to negotiate the price.
Tips for successful bargaining:
- Always be friendly and respectful
- Start with an offer of about 30-40% of the asking price
- Be prepared to walk away if the price doesn’t suit you
- Enjoy the process and consider it part of the cultural experience
It’s worth noting that the bargaining atmosphere in Essaouira is generally more relaxed than in other tourist cities like Marrakech.
Conclusion: Traditional and Artistic Products in Essaouira… Art Reflecting the Soul of the City
Traditional products in Essaouira represent more than just souvenirs; they are artistic pieces that reflect the spirit, history, and culture of the city. From distinctive carved wood and unique argan products to silver jewelry and contemporary visual arts, Essaouira offers visitors the opportunity to acquire authentic pieces carrying a special story and memory.
When visiting Essaouira, be sure to dedicate enough time to explore its markets and art galleries, meet local artisans and artists, and enjoy the unique shopping experience this enchanting city offers. By purchasing traditional products, you not only get a beautiful souvenir but also contribute to supporting local crafts and arts and preserving a rich cultural heritage.
Have you ever visited Essaouira? What are your favorite traditional products? Share your experience and discoveries in the comments!
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