A new slant on Berber carpets, their meanings and motifs.

First published in Great Britain in 1994.

In southeastern Morocco, around the oasis of Tafilalet, the Ait Khabbash people weave brightly colored carpets, embroider indigo head coverings, paint their faces with saffron, and wear ornate jewelry. Their extraordinarily detailed arts are rich in cultural symbolism; they are always breathtakingly beautiful—and they are typically made by women. Like other Amazigh (Berber) groups (but in contrast to the Arab societies of North Africa), the Ait Khabbash have entrusted their artistic responsibilities to women. Cynthia Becker spent years in Morocco living among these women and, through family connections and female fellowship, achieved unprecedented access to the artistic rituals of the Ait Khabbash. The result is more than a stunning examination of the arts themselves, it is also an illumination of women's roles in Islamic North Africa and the many ways in which women negotiate complex social and religious issues. One of the reasons Amazigh women are artists is that the arts are expressions of ethnic identity, and it follows that the guardians of Amazigh identity ought to be those who literally ensure its continuation from generation to generation, the Amazigh women. Not surprisingly, the arts are visual expressions of womanhood, and fertility symbols are prevalent. Controlling the visual symbols of Amazigh identity has given these women power and prestige. Their clothing, tattoos, and jewelry are public identity statements; such public artistic expressions contrast with the stereotype that women in the Islamic world are secluded and veiled. But their role as public identity symbols can also be restrictive, and history (French colonialism, the subsequent rise of an Arab-dominated government in Morocco, and the recent emergence of a transnational Berber movement) has forced Ait Khabbash women to adapt their arts as their people adapt to the contemporary world. By framing Amazigh arts with historical and cultural context, Cynthia Becker allows the reader to see the full measure of these fascinating artworks.

It has been said that Marrakech awakens all of the senses. Whether it is seeing the intricate zellige tilework; smelling the various spices sold at the souks; hearing the call to prayer emanate from the nearby mosques; touching the supple leather used to make a pair of babouches (leather sandals); tasting a flavorful tagine, Marrakech never fails to excite. Located just west of the Atlas Mountains, the city has been inhabited by Berber farmers for centuries. It has been dubbed the “Ochre City” because of the proliferation of red sandstone buildings and the red city walls, which now enclose the Medina, home to Jemaa el-Fnaa, one of the busiest squares in Africa.

Moroccan design, from the tiled floors to the colored walls, sculpted ceilings, embroidered fabrics, Berber tents, fountains, gardens, and more In a world filled with beige interiors, Morocco is the perfect antidote: a refuge for addicts of saturated color, a haven for devotees of intricate pattern, a destination for admirers of striking architecture. For anyone who wants to add Morocco's spicy design mix into their own home, Maryam Montague, the personality behind the award-winning blog My Marrakesh, explains how to do so with the building blocks of Moroccan design—from the colors, patterns, and textiles to the archways, fountains, gardens, and so much more. With illustrative text and gorgeous photographs, Maryam shows how Moroccan design comes to life in real villas and riads and in her own magnificent home and guesthouse. Eager DIYers will love the ideas presented in sidebars and in how-to projects that can be applied to homes anywhere. Filled with all the richness of Morocco,Marrakesh by Design will transport readers straight to the souks and salons of this exotic city while showing them the multitude of ways to live with the enticing elements of Moroccan design.

This text is among the first to delve deeply into the little known history of Moroccan carpets. Among the revelations this book provides is the correction of the widely held belief that "no Moroccan or Tunisian carpets predates the 19th century". There are three sections covering the historical, technical and aesthetic significance of Morocco's carpet weaving heritage. The technical and aesthetic sections are the most exhaustive - the former covering the three main styles of carpets, and the latter exploring the various styles and thoughts that inspire the imagery of the carpets.

Grand imperial cities, calm desert oases, Mediterranean beaches, and ancient history: experience an incredible crossroads of culture with Moon Morocco. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries including one week in Marrakesh, retreats to Fez, Casablanca, and the Sahara, mountain excursions, and the two-week best of Morocco Strategic advice for history and culture buffs, beachgoers, adventure junkies, and more Top sights and unique experiences: Cook your own traditional tajines in a restored riad or treat yourself to world-class French cuisine. Trek the soaring peaks and jaw-dropping valleys of Morocco's four mountain ranges (by foot, or by mule!), or relax on miles of idyllic beaches. Sip refreshing mint tea and unwind in a traditional hammam, haggle at a busy souk, or explore one of Morocco's nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites Insight from Morocco expert Lucas Peters on how to support local and sustainable businesses, avoid crowds, and respectfully engage with the culture Full-color, vibrant photos and detailed maps throughout Reliable background on the landscape, climate, history, government, and cultural customs and etiquette, plus useful tips on public transportation, car and bike rentals, and air travel Handy tools including Darija and French phrasebooks, visa information, and accommodations, and travel tips for families, seniors, travelers with disabilities, and LGBTQ travelers With Moon's practical advice and local know-how, you can experience the best of Morocco. Sticking to Marrakesh? Try Moon Marrakesh & Beyond.

Peter Carl Faberge, court jeweler to the czars, is a name synonymous with beauty, craftsmanship, and sumptuous excess. This exciting book features some of the best photographs ever made of Faberge objects. Over 350 illustrations, 80 in full color.

The abstractions, powerful compositions, and magical significance of Moroccan carpets fascinated artists such as Le Corbusier, Marcel Breuer and Sean Scully. Their straightforward graphic style and vibrant colours are evocative of Mark Rothko or Cy Twombly. This intriguing resemblance forms the basis of this publication, which presents a striking juxtaposition of Moroccan woven and knotted carpets and European and American twentieth-century art. Unique examples from the Adam collection, one of the most significant private collections of Moroccan nomad carpets in the world, show how the abandonment of figural representations led to radical abstraction and a completely free and modern use of colours and forms among the Arabs and Berbers in the Maghreb. Since the early twentieth century, the return to the origins of art through the exploration of early or so-called primitive cultures in Africa, Asia, and America has led western artists to follow a similar path and to find patterns that connect, which form the roots of the European avant-garde.

Tells the stories of 25 women who practice textile traditions with an inspiring energy, pride, fortitude while contributing substantially to their family's income!