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Essaouira, a name that evokes the magic of Morocco, a place that has etched a special place in my heart and inspiration for my venture, Tuyya.com. Formerly known as Mogador, this city, caressed by the Atlantic waves and bathed in soothing winds, sparked my journey into Moroccan artistry.
An 18th-century marvel initiated by Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah, Essaouira is an artist’s paradise. The city's serene rhythm, coupled with its striking landscape, has called out to artists for centuries, inviting them to bathe in its glow, to be inspired and to create.
My journey led me to discover the soul of Essaouira in its two main craft treasures: the mesmerizing filigree jewelry and the remarkable thuya wood marquetry.
Essaouira's Jewelry Wonderland
Imagine a souk teeming with gold and silver filigree masterpieces, each intricate design narrating its unique tale. This is what I found in Essaouira's lively jewelry market. Despite the absence of gold artisans, a handful of resilient silver craftsmen, hailing from Tiznit’s lineage, keeps the city’s art alive.
I saw precious metals metamorphose into diadems, bracelets, intricate brooches, and belt buckles, all adorned with symmetry and floral motifs. Rubies, garnets, emeralds sourced from Mecca blend beautifully with the gold, creating a delightful dance of color and craft.
Thuya Wood Marquetry
My journey into Essaouira's craftsmanship would be incomplete without the story of thuya wood – the very inspiration behind our brand name 'Tuyya'. This rose-brown, fragrant wood forms the canvas on which Essaouira’s cabinetmakers etch their dreams.
They meticulously inlay lemonwood, burnt wood, mahogany, Macassar ebony, or walnut into thuya wood, creating stark contrasts and intricate designs. Such pieces are often adorned with shimmering mother-of-pearl, copper, or silver filaments, creating a blend of texture and color that’s truly fascinating.
The artisans' creativity knows no bounds – from practical items like chests and tables to whimsical creations like dolls made from two pieces of wood or a chess piece crafted from a simple twig.
Yet, this vibrant craft sector faces a daunting challenge. With the rising demand for thuya wood leading to its scarcity, the quality of craftsmanship risks a downturn. As lovers of art and champions of these craftsmen, we must extend our support, helping them continue their beautiful legacy.
Join me on this unforgettable journey as we discover more about the city that inspired Tuyya.com, and let's celebrate the artistry of Essaouira together.
