The craft of wool felt dates again centuries and is a standard craft embodying Morocco’s historic cultural heritage.
Mohammed Belkhou has been working with wool felt for 45 years. However his craft is threatened with extinction. Newer generations do not appear involved in it, and for good purpose. However greater than that, high quality substances have gotten scarce.
“Once we go to the market, we do not discover a whole lot of wool. It’s because the wool sellers have disappeared because of lack of demand, which can be the issue we face. As well as, a lot of the wool sellers have additionally disappeared.” Artisans It is all useless, and younger folks aren’t involved in it as a result of it is tiring.
Within the face of those difficulties, we’re working arduous to protect the craft of wool felt for future generations. Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism, Crafts and Social and Solidarity Financial system has adopted a coaching program for younger folks.
“We introduced in an artisan and documented the manufacturing course of from the start to the ultimate product. We additionally organized coaching packages based mostly on the brand new requirements. We then tried to contain totally different gamers from the private and non-private sectors to develop these industries and discover new options for it.
With clients scarce, craftsmen are struggling to innovate. They use their ingenuity to supply new merchandise. Wool felt merchandise vary in worth from $5 to $649.
“Because the demand decreased, we considered growing it. We now produce luggage, hats, necklaces and bracelets, which is what vacationers like.” Mohammed Belkhou, a wool felt craftsman, mentioned regretfully:
But the work fascinates guests like Jane. “That is my first time right here and I’ve by no means seen such crafts. They make hats, luggage and many various issues. It’s actually uncommon and an excellent craft that takes a whole lot of time.
The ministry needs to guard the felt craft not solely to guard cultural heritage but additionally to help the native economic system.
