Clay Hands

Moroccan Berber clay pottery craftsmen are skilled artisans who specialize in creating pottery using traditional methods deeply rooted in Berber culture. These craftsmen inherit their skills and techniques from their ancestors, passing down the art of pottery-making through generations. They typically use locally sourced clay, which is mixed with natural materials such as sand or straw to enhance its texture and strength.

Berber potters predominantly employ hand-modeling techniques. They shape the pottery by coiling and pinching the clay into the desired forms, including tagines, bowls, and decorative items. Traditional firing methods are often used, such as pit firing or kiln firing. Pit firing involves burying the pottery in a shallow pit, covering it with combustible materials like wood, and igniting a fire to create unique smoky patterns.

We spent the day with this Berber family in the High Atlas Mountains and were able to experience a “day in the life” where we enjoyed fresh food cooked in Tagines (made by the patriarch) and also visited his “shop and kiln.