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Artisan Craft

Ethically handmade homeware and leather.

Since 2002, we create unique and timeless design through ancients craft.

We exclusively source exquisite natural material, free from harmful chemicals.
Offering authentic sustainability that last the test of time, choosing us prevent cultural heritage, creative, mastery, and supports a better future for us all.

## **The Timeless Art of Tamegroute Pottery**


## **The Timeless Art of Tamegroute Pottery**

I discovered Tamegroute pottery while walking through the Marrakech souks. Among the noise and colors, I was immediately drawn to its earthy green glaze and unique imperfections. Each piece felt alive, telling a story through its texture, its marks, and its centuries-old heritage.

What truly inspired me to bring Tamegroute pottery to Artisan Stories customers was the **beauty of the imperfection** — something only possible because each piece is still made by hand, using the same techniques developed in the **15th century**.

### **A Village Built on Clay**

Tamegroute is a village located in the **Draa Valley**, near the edge of the desert. Just 5 km away, you begin to see the **Tinfou dunes** and camels roaming along the horizon.

The pottery craft began with just **three families** in the 15th century. Over generations, through marriages and shared knowledge, the craft spread — and now **around 180 villagers** are involved in the process. The entire village lives from this art.

### **The Process: Ancient and Honest**

The clay is sourced from a nearby river (called an **oued**) and transported by **donkeys** into the village. It is mixed with water — using the potters' feet — to create the right consistency.

Potters work while **standing in a waist-deep hole**, with only their upper body visible. Below them is a **pedal wheel**, hidden from view, used to shape each piece. The finished items are then **left to dry in the sun** — usually for about **two weeks**, depending on the season.

> [Insert photo of artisans working with clay]

After drying, the pottery is loaded into **kilns built from stone and mud**. These kilns are fired using **date leaves**, pushed into a long 5-meter tunnel that channels heat. Artisans take turns feeding the flames, as standing near the opening is dangerously hot.

Today, they use **thermometers**, but traditionally, they judged the temperature by watching how the **date leaf stems changed color** — a method passed down over centuries.

> [Insert video of firing process]

### **A Factory That Couldn’t Replace the Craft**

One of the most fascinating stories came from **Said**, a local potter I interviewed. A German company once invested heavily in a **modern gas-fired factory** in the village, hoping to mass-pro

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Our BBC News INTERVIEW - Artisan Stories
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Our BBC News INTERVIEW

Check out our segment about the Cost of Living Crisis and how our small family business is dealing with it.

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Our RECYCLED Glassware - Artisan Stories

Our RECYCLED Glassware

Our glassware is made by Kessy Beldi, founded in 2014. 100% of the glass used comes from recycling, which creates the beautiful turquoise, greenish tint of our clear glasses. The glass is heated, b...

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