Essaouira is renowned as the city of artists and craftsmen par excellence, offering a unique blend of traditional products of Essaouira, handicrafts, and visual arts that attract visitors from around the world. Thanks to its privileged location on the coast and beaches and its rich cultural heritage, Essaouira has become an oasis of creativity and authentic art. In this comprehensive guide, we take you on a journey to discover the most beautiful traditional products of Essaouira, from carved wood and famous argan products to silver jewelry and diverse visual arts, with practical tips for a successful and distinctive shopping experience in the old city (the Kasbah).
Essaouira’s Distinctive Crafts: Carved Wood and Argan Products
There are certain traditional products of Essaouira that are closely linked to the city, thanks to locally available raw materials and the high craftsmanship enjoyed by 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 craftsmen use Thuya wood, a rare type of wood distinguished by its distinctive aromatic scent and unique grain patterns. This precious wood is extracted from the roots of the Thuya tree that grows in the Moroccan Atlas regions.
Carved wood products in Essaouira include decorated wooden boxes, small furniture pieces, chess sets, and home decorative items. You can watch craftsmen at work in their workshops inside the old city (the Kasbah), especially near Essaouira port and the city’s Skala.
Argan Products (argan oil and its derivatives)
Essaouira is located in the heart of the argan forest region, rare trees that grow exclusively in the area extending between Essaouira and Agadir. From these trees is extracted the world-famous argan oil, considered one of the most precious natural oils. For more information about the benefits of argan oil, you can visit the National Institute of Agricultural Research website.
The region produces two main types of argan oil: the cosmetic type used for skin and hair care, and the food type that adds a distinctive flavor to Essaouira cuisine. In addition to 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 women’s cooperatives, and visitors can visit these cooperatives to observe the traditional production process and buy authentic products directly from the source.
Traditional Products for Wearing and Personal Use in Essaouira
In the city souks, you can find a range of traditional products related to traditional fashion and personal accessories with authentic Moroccan character.
Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry in Essaouira is distinguished by its unique designs that combine Amazigh, Arab, and Jewish influences, as Essaouira was home to many Jewish silversmiths in the Mellah of Essaouira near the tomb of Rabbi Haim Pinto. Silver jewelry includes bracelets, necklaces, rings, and traditional ornaments decorated with precious or semi-precious stones.
Silver is considered the preferred traditional metal in Moroccan jewelry, and Essaouira pieces are distinguished by their precision craftsmanship and beautiful design that reflects the region’s heritage.
Leather (bags, shoes, and others)
Although the city of Fez is most famous for Moroccan leather goods, Essaouira also offers a distinguished range of high-quality leather products. These products include bags, wallets, belts, and traditional shoes (babouches), in addition to the famous leather pouf seats.
The leather industry in Essaouira is linked to its history as an active commercial port, and its products are distinguished by durability and high quality. To learn more about traditional leather tanning techniques, you can consult the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture website.
Caftan and Moroccan Djellaba
The city souks display a selection of traditional Moroccan clothing such as caftan and djellaba. Visitors can buy ready-made pieces or request custom tailoring according to desired size and design.
These garments are distinguished by their bright colors, precise decorations, and high-quality fabrics, reflecting the skill of Moroccan tailors in sewing and embroidery.
Traditional Carpets
Moroccan carpet is one of the most famous traditional products in Morocco, and a diverse variety can be found in Essaouira’s souks. Carpet styles vary between Amazigh carpets with bright colors and geometric symbols, lightweight kilim carpets, and urban carpets with Arabic decorations.
Traditional carpet is made from wool or cotton, and each piece represents a particular cultural and heritage story.
Traditional Products for Decoration and Arts
To add an authentic Moroccan touch to your home, Essaouira’s souks and galleries offer a wonderful selection of distinctive traditional and artistic products.
Copper Objects
Copper objects in Essaouira include decorated lanterns, trays, tea sets, and traditional chandeliers. These pieces are distinguished by precise hand engravings and authentic Arabic designs.
Craftsmen work on shaping copper and sometimes inlay it with silver, to produce artistic pieces that combine practical function and artistic beauty near the city walls and the Pasha’s tower.
Ceramics (dishes, decoration, and others)
Ceramics is one of the basic traditional products in Essaouira, including plates, bowls, tagine dishes, and various decorative pieces. You can find in Essaouira’s souks ceramics from different regions of Morocco, decorated with colors and patterns reflecting each region’s identity.
Moroccan ceramics are distinguished by their bright colors, especially blue, green, and yellow, and by their precise geometric or botanical decorations.
Visual Arts and Artistic Industries
Essaouira is famous for its vibrant artistic scene, housing many art galleries and studios that display works by local and international artists at Dar Souiri and art galleries. Artistic works vary between paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works.
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. For more details about arts in Morocco, you can visit the Moroccan Ministry of Culture website.
Where to Shop for Traditional and Artistic Products in Essaouira? Guide to Souks, Shops, and Galleries
To find these traditional products of Essaouira and acquire unique pieces, the main destinations are the city souks, as well as art galleries and specialized cooperatives.
City Souks (Traditional Souks)
The city souks of the old city are the main place to buy most traditional products of Essaouira. These souks are distinguished by their organization according to craft type, making it easy for visitors to find what they’re looking for near the Great Mosque and Zaouia Sidi Mimoun.
Unlike the large souks of Fez and Marrakech, Essaouira’s souks are distinguished by their moderate size that makes strolling through them an enjoyable and non-tiring experience. Here you can buy carved wood, silver jewelry, leather, carpets, copper objects, and ceramics.
Art Galleries
Art galleries are spread throughout the old city (the Kasbah), and are the ideal place for lovers of visual arts and artistic industries. These galleries display works by local and international artists, offering a unique opportunity to acquire authentic artistic pieces, especially during the Gnawa Festival.
Argan Oil Cooperatives
Argan oil cooperatives are located within the city and on roads leading to Marrakech and Agadir. These cooperatives offer a unique opportunity to observe the traditional argan oil production process and buy authentic products directly from the source.
Specialized Stores and Large Exhibition Halls
There are specialized stores and large exhibition halls along the main streets in the old city (the Kasbah), offering high-quality products at fixed prices. These stores are suitable for visitors who prefer shopping in a calmer environment away from the hustle and bustle of the souks.
Tourist Sites in Essaouira and its Historical Monuments
In addition to shopping, visitors can explore the tourist sites in Essaouira such as the famous Essaouira beach and the historical Mogador island. The city also houses important historical monuments like the Kasbah and Simon Synagogue as well as the Portuguese Church that reflect the city’s cultural diversity.
Shopping Experience in Essaouira: Bargaining and Practical Tips
Shopping in Essaouira’s souks and galleries is an enjoyable experience, and to make it successful, here are some practical tips:
The Art of Bargaining: Expect to Negotiate in Traditional Souks
Bargaining is an essential part of shopping culture in traditional Moroccan souks. When buying traditional products of Essaouira, especially in the souks, expect to negotiate the price.
Tips for successful bargaining:
- Always be friendly and respectful
- Start with an offer around 30-40% of the displayed 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 usually more relaxed compared to other tourist cities like Marrakech.
Accommodation in Essaouira and Getting There
To enjoy the shopping and cultural experience in Essaouira, various options for accommodation in Essaouira are available, from traditional riads to modern hotels. The city can also be easily accessed from other cities like Rabat and Tangier via the Moroccan transport network.
Conclusion: Traditional and Artistic Products of Essaouira… Art that Reflects the Soul of the City
The traditional products of Essaouira represent more than just souvenirs; they are artistic pieces that reflect the soul, 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 particular story and memory.
When visiting Essaouira, make sure to dedicate enough time to explore its souks and art galleries, meet local craftsmen and artists, and enjoy the unique shopping experience this charming city offers. By purchasing traditional products, you not only get a beautiful souvenir, but also contribute to supporting local handicrafts and arts and preserving a rich cultural heritage.
For more information about tourism in Morocco, you can visit the official website of the Moroccan National Tourism Office.
Have you ever visited Essaouira? What are your favorite traditional products of Essaouira? Share your experience and discoveries with us in the comments!
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