We learned about the type of clay unique to Fes - white, volcanic, as opposed to red, found elsewhere in Morocco. Our guide showed us demonstrations of the different steps involved from molding the clay, painting pottery, cutting tiles, and the setting the pattern for a table top or fountain.
Alia got to try her hand at molding a plate on the wheel. She did a great job.
As artists painted pots and plates, our guide described the difference between Berber, Arabic and Jewish patterns and how many of the pottery have combinations of two, or all three.
We watched a man with a ice-pick-type hammer, chip away tiny stars out of a tile.
On the floor there was a work-in-progress of the setting of the pattern for a tabletop. Each tiny tile is place upside-down before they are cemented together to create the intricate surface.
After the ceramic factory, we visited a carpet shop in the souk and learned about the creation and ways to identify an authentic Berber carpet. Apparently, they are made by "crazy ladies" in the Atlas mountains and only have tassels at one end, so that the length of the carpet can be changed.
It was quite amazing to watch and learn about the craftmanship that go into the ceramics and carpets.
No comments:
Post a Comment