The arts and crafts of Morocco express a centuries-long intermingling of influences from Africa, Islam, and from the alliance of the Moors and the Spaniards. Yet despite their versatility and diversity, Moroccan crafts are relatively little known outside the country. The author's account, based on his own first-hand research, examines all the media one-by-one: textiles, jewelry; leather, wood and metalwork; and pottery and ceramics. These objects derive either from a rural lifestyle, with symbols and patterns that express the powerful animistic beliefs of the Berber country artisans, or from the cities, in which Islamic tenets provide the vigorous context. All of them are thus endowed with a spiritually charged meaning to add both their utility and to their beauty. This book contains guidance for collectors and analyzes the belief systems, festivals and ceremonies to which the arts relate.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
The authors of these informative and visually appealing books often discuss the individual crafts?both antique and contemporary?against a backdrop of historical and sociological issues. In their book on India, Cooper and Gillow, who have both written extensively on the topic, examine the influence of India's many ethnic groups on its crafts and culture. Items discussed range from folk murals and handmade paper to sophisticated musical instruments and intricately crafted jewelry. Of particular interest are the chapter that describes India's textile industry and the list of names and addresses of businesses worldwide selling Indian arts and crafts. Jereb approaches Morocco as an anthropologist, thoughtfully examining the differences between Bedouin and urban culture and often comparing the former to tribal concepts typical of Native Americans. Jereb covers all manner of common Moroccan items embellished with decorative motifs?pottery, tools, leather goods, metalwork, rugs and other textiles, jewelry, and woodwork?and because Moroccan crafts are so intricately tied to religious beliefs, he includes tattoos and talismans that ward off the "evil eye" as well. Warren focuses on common household goods and village crafts rather than the architecture and stylish interiors that were at the center of his previous book, Thai Style (Rizzoli, 1989). Thai textiles are beyond compare, and the discussion in this book is detailed, illustrated with vintage photos of costumes and sumptuous color plates of the textiles. Equally captivating are sections describing woodcarvings, theater masks and costumes, basketry, and floral creations. Although temple arts are not included, a section on contemporary Thai crafts presents a very interesting overview of Thailand's artistic achievements. The books on Morocco and Thailand are the latest entries in a series that has already documented the works of Indonesia, Mexico, and South America. All three well-laid-out and informative books offer glossaries, maps, stunning photographs, good bibliographies, and tips on collecting; all three would be worthwhile additions to most libraries with collection emphasizing arts, crafts, or travel.?Margarete Gross, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Just not what I expected...,
By
This review is from: Arts & Crafts of Morocco (Paperback)
Being excited about visiting wonderful places and buying woderful things, I have looked through several books in this series by Chronicle Books. Most were excellent, (see the one on Indonesia!) but I found this one a bit lacking. Perhaps it was my expectations.While the other books provided a great insight into crafts of various regions at the time of publishing, this book of Moroccan crafts spent a lot of time speaking about history. The textiles section was very thorough, but other sections (such as metalwork) were brief at best. The photos throughout the book were mainly of antique crafts, and look like they were taken at museums. That said, this may be nice for the amateur collector to cruise through, but if you're looking for a book to read to gain some insight into what you can find and purchase today, you may find yourself as disappointed as I was. You may be better off with a Fodors guide or some other such book. I'd probably give this two and a half stars, but it's not offered and I wanted to be fair; the book wasn't awful, it just wasn't what I expected.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Artisan Traditions of Morocco,
By B. Evans (Chicagoland) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Arts & Crafts of Morocco (Paperback)
I was surprised when this book, which I purchased several years ago at a bookstore before traveling to Morocco, popped up on the list of recommendations for me with only a 3-star rating. And I was bemused when I read Simonson's review, for the author's intent was not to help tourists in their hunt for souvenirs.
As is succinctly noted on the book's fly-leaf, "The text describes traditional artistic forms and techniques, and provides a comprehensive analysis of the belief systems, festivals and ceremonies to which the arts are linked." And as the author explains in his text, "It was my intention in writing this book...to underline the exchange of influences on artistic traditions and belief systems between Morocco...and sub-Saharan and West Africa" because "modernization is fast proceeding in Morocco...and the traditional or antique pieces are vanishing." Those who are looking for a book that will give them background in and thus an appreciation of Morocco's artisan traditions--"inspired in form and content by the tribal lifestyle and powerful animistic beliefs of the nomadic artists as well as by the aesthetic traditions of the Moslem world"--are fortunate that this well-written book with over 150 beautifully photographed objects is available. Because Morocco has few museums and those are often closed, you may have to scour the souks in order to see examples of Morocco's traditonal arts and crafts. Thus if you find this book before going to Morocco, photocopy examples of the things that interest you so that there will be no language barrier. Because I did, I enjoyed many glasses of mint tea as shop keepers brought out treasure after treasure for me to admire, even though I had stressed that I had no money to spend. "Not to worry," was the gist of their responses. That I, thanks to this book, appreciated and knew the value of the objects I was shown was clearly what was important to them, for without exception, I was allowed to photograph the many things I wish I could have afforded, including a beautifully crafted camel harness. If ARTS & CRAFTS OF MOROCCO is unavailable by the time you learn of it, go to Arts and Crafts of Morocco to find the same book, albeit with a different cover, publisher and higher price tag. Note: The editorial information about Morocco's arts and crafts is sandwiched between India's and Thailand's because Amazon cannot change it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Artisan Traditions of Morocco,
By B. Evans (Chicagoland) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Arts & Crafts of Morocco (Arts and Crafts) (Paperback)
Currently, you will find the same book available for much less, albeit with a different cover and publisher, if you go to Arts & Crafts of Morocco, which is where my review appears.
How do I know the two books are the same between the covers? Our library has this one; I bought the other, which is also a quality publication.
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