Handicrafts

Despite increasing competition from factory-made products. Moroccans still make many traditional items

by hand using patterns and techniques passed from one generation to the next. Leather and woodworking, intricate tile and mosaic work, embroidery, pottery making and carpet weaving are just some of the many types of craftsmanship found in Morocco.

The narrow streets of whole sections of old walled cities are lined with workshops where multi-colored leather is dyed, cut and sewn together to make slippers, hand bags, belts, or items of fine clothing made for tourists. In other areas, one hears the constant tap-tap-tapping of the brass worker. A pleasing aroma of cedar suffuses the woodworker section. Whole villages are devoted to and become known for a particular craft such as pottery or blacksmithing.

Handicrafts provide a source of income for tens of thousands of Moroccan families. Many crafts items are created for export or sold to tourists. Being a craftsman is an honorable vocation and can be very profitable for those who attain excellence in it. Even the Lord was a carpenter. However, more and more Moroccan youth prefer pursuing a white-collar career. Life can be tough for craftsmen in Morocco sometimes as they must sell the things they make in order to live.

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us -- yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90:17

Pray that craftsmen will not be so busy meeting their physical needs that they neglect their spiritual needs.
Pray that Christian tourists who meet craftsmen in the markets will spend time with them and will find those who are open to the Good News.
Pray that poor Christians might learn a handicraft and attain an excellence in it that will help lift them out of poverty. Pray that skilled believers will pass on their knowledge and excellence to other believers and through generations.

[ Back ]

مواقع عربية