Fes Shopping

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You will see anything from doorknockers to lamps, teapots to tagines, vases to planters - all beautifully crafted. A lot are in the plain brass and others are in the damascene which is the brass with another metal such as gold or silver inlaid.

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In one of the bigger metal stores you will see workers actually hammering away designs on their products. Beautiful trays are created without so much as a stencil to go by. The craftsmen sketch a basic form of the pattern onto the brass tray then taps away with a pointed tool similar to a metal pencil and a hammer.

Good leather goods abound in Fez from all the tanneries. Here you will probably find the best in Morocco. Pouffe’s are big cushion type seats which are used like ottomans. They are usually made of sheepskin or goatskin which is dyed and then embroidered. You can buy them unstuffed which makes it easier to take home.

Moroccan Rugs and kilims or hanbels are colourful light woven rugs usually in bright colours and the cost is usually determined by not only the design, and quality but the size as well. They are made by the Berber people and all the wool is hand dyed from colours obtained from vegetables.

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Within the medina there are different areas for specific types of crafts and goods. There are those which mainly sell clothing like jalaba’s, hendiras and fabrics – some sell more leather goods and others selling furniture, ceramics and metalware. Then there are the other shops selling oils and soaps. Wherever you roam, there is always something to catch your eye or tempt your pocket.

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This is a magnificent shop retailing high class goods by local craftsmen. The amount of items on display and quality is outstanding, providing a range of goods in size and value which cater for all budgets.

You will see similar items much cheaper in the medina, however can you be sure of the quality and will the metal work change colour soon after you return home. Quality metalwork should not change colour.

We purchased a Bellews, hand made from camel bone and metal, it looked magnificent in the shop and still looks the same in our home 6 months later.

We had no problems getting it through the strict Australian Customs on return. They examined the Bellews, checked the camel bone to ensure it had been properly treated, no dry blood or camel hair attached.

What to buy: Everything you see in the attached photos and more.

What to pay: Prices vary with the individual item, however costly compared to medina stall prices, but comparatively very cheap compared with anything I could purchase at home.

Great shop in Talaa Kabira for moraccan crafts, jewelry, great leader, candles. All the articles are a mix of mroccan artisanat and a contampory style.
That's the only one shop where you can find that kind of crafts in Fez.

What to buy: Candles, leader, pasmenterie, ceramic,... but all with a great design.

Ali, the helper at this store, refused to accept any money for the pictures I was taking of his place - immediately I had confidence in him and bought a few things after tea. Classic Fes hospitality, no pressure, incredible goods...

Morocco
Learn Arabic
Bargaining pt 1

What to buy: Swords, mirrors, hookahs, treasure chests, lamps, charcoal for incense, masks, amber items...

What to pay: There are simply too many items to list but the price is fair on everything - just haggle a bit for the hell of it....

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