Moroccan Fair Trade Embroidery

Who does it benefit? Made by hand using traditional skills and natural materials by Moroccan women who are keeping alive and reviving traditional skills and tradition in the face of “competition” from cheap machine made items. We supply these items direct from the women who receive 100% of the sale price. Additional benefits include: the positive aspects of the living wage, fair trade, female company and solidarity, giving women an independent income, increasing the women's self-esteem and status in the family and the community, offering the younger generations a chance to learn traditional craftwork and consequently to appreciate the value of their culture more. The younger women are being taught in Riad, a village where all the potters are men so it gives women an opportunity to be more self sufficient.

What are the Symbols? The patterns contain symbols which date back nearly 10,000 years; these are symbols of female deities which are designed to protect and to encourage fertility of their crops, livestock and families. They are found throughout the European, Asian and North African world. They may also be found on pottery, carpets, leather and henna tattoos. Tree of Life or Mountain Goddess (lkabab) pattern is a common embroidery motif. In Morocco it is said to bring health, wealth, fertility, prosperity and all good things. Lbrouj is similar motif but smaller.

Thank you very very much. They are lovely - such beautiful handiwork. I am really pleased with them. I may be in touch to order another in a few weeks. Thank you again, Cathy Blythe

Products are made to order in the colour or design of your choice. They include squares (as illustrated); greetings cards; hand bags; mobile phone cases; cushion covers; bed sets and anything else that you request.

How might you use the cloths be used? They may be framed to hang on a wall, used as decoration of a table or an altar, held by the leader of a dance or used as a centre piece in dance.

How to order Please follow this link

They are delightful and I feel very privileged to have them. Please thank the women for doing them for me. Very best wishes, Christine Elliot