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Essentially, a Moroccan belt or mdamma a handmade, culturally significant accessory that epitomizes Morocco's artistic heritage. It combines aesthetics with functionality and serves as a symbolic and practical addition to traditional clothing. There is another Ensemble Artisanal in Marrakech too, and it’s a good starting point to explore local markets and what they have to offer.
You can also visit the Ensemble Artisanal in Tiznit before venturing into the Souk to get a better idea of what’s available, the different styles and designs, as well as the price points. The fibula is one of the most prominent symbols, it consists of a silver triangle, often engraved or decorated with colorful stones, and used to hold together an outer layer or as an ornamental piece. The majestic splendor of this heritage is still as vibrant today and it remains one of the richest expressions of Moroccan culture. For instance, women wear a fibula as a brooch to decorate a dress or as an accent piece on their hair. In Tafraoute, Tiznit, and Inezgane, you can find antique Moroccan jewelry on display, with some rare occasions of stumbling into unique pieces that qualify as rare pieces of art. Moreover, Taroudant is also worth a visit if you’re on the hunt for authentic traditional jewelry.A kaftan is a long one-piece dress embellished with elaborate ornamentation techniques passed down from generations of maalems, the kaftan artisans. The dress is trimmed with sfifa, a Fez-made silk braid, and closed with a row of cherry-shaped buttons named aakad, made in the city of Sefrou, home to the annual cherry festival. My first relationship with a Moroccan kaftan – also spelled caftan – was through embroidery at my aunt’s kaftan atelier. She was a kaftan fairy and I spent countless hours in her atelier learning beading and embroidery. I was fascinated by the intricate artwork involved in making a kaftan dress, and my fascination grew bigger with time as I learned more about the richness of this Moroccan garb.
One of the most popular ones is the hand of Fatima, the daughter of the prophet Muhammad, that is used to ward off the evil eye. In Morocco, every woman and little girl has at least one kaftan in her closet. The kaftan is the first dress a girl will wear in her life and the dress she will be excited to wear at every celebration. In the 17th century, Moroccan women started wearing kaftan dresses cut in beautiful materials and decorated with intricate embroideries. Each region of Morocco added its distinct touch. While there are as many Moroccan caftan designs as there are regions in Morocco, the main caftans are are those of Tetouan – Chamali, the caftans of Fez – Fassi, and the caftans of Rabat – Rbati.
Moroccan belts are not just decorative items; they also possess cultural symbolism. They are often associated with traditional clothing, such as djellabas (robes), caftans, takshitas or other traditional dresses. Wearing a Moroccan belt adds a touch of elegance and cultural identity to the overall outfit. On the other hand, in the south Atlas region, the ’Nbala’ is a staple hinged bracelet that is often etched to display charming and quaint motifs. Types of Moroccan Jewelry Mdama A Moroccan bride will often accessorize hers with a mix of large traditional jewelry pieces, including a tiara or crown. The more, the better. When it comes to colors, there are really no rules. Moroccan kaftan dresses can be in either pastel, dark or flashy colors, or even a mix of the three. In addition, Moroccan belts also have practical significance. They are adjustable and provide support to the waist while making the garment form-fitting, creating a flattering silhouette. This feature makes them popular with women as they can accentuate the waist and improve the overall appearance.
The Khamsa, the Eye of Fatima, or the Hand of Fatima is a symbol of Moroccan-Jewish descent that represents a hand with the power of warding off evil and protecting the wearer from negative energy.
While it’s really hard to find a vintage jewelry shop in Morocco, you can still get authentic pieces in historical cities like Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, and Chefchaouen. Where to buy jewelry in Morocco (real vs fake)
Because this is such a ubiquitous part of Moroccan heritage, you will find that most Moroccan women own at least a couple of accessories featuring this beautiful and unique symbol. Antique Moroccan Jewelry Whether you’re shopping in the Souks of ancient Medinas or you’re browsing online, finding antique Moroccan jewelry will prove to be a daunting task.As we progress in history, the mdama starts to evolve into a belt made from a structured material that is almost cardboard-like, then draped in the same material of the dress it is to be worn with (whether it be silk, brocade, velvet, or cotton). Khalkhal If you are looking for an artisanal piece that is both handmade and hand-embroidered, I have detailed where in my Morocco shopping guide. The best approach is to shop for your caftan directly from a respected traditional Moroccan tailor who will customize an existing piece or create one from scratch. In Morocco, women can design their kaftans from scratch with the help of a tailor, which I did many times – and loved doing. The process takes a little longer, but the result is literally the dress of your dreams! Moroccan Kaftans are usually worn with high heels and accessorized with a clutch bag and/or a few jewelry pieces, either discrete or dramatic. The southern jewelry in Morocco usually consists of varying blends of silver and bronze ornamented with geometric or floral shapes and patterns.
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