Potterie

This is yet another example of the appeal of simple things to which the Berber people treat us quite often. While their textiles, as well as their jewels, tell us about an unlimited torrent of creativity and imagination without compromising a bit on their authenticity and the symbols and elements that define them as a group, earthenware vessels like this take us to the realm of the beauty of humble things. The design and lines of this old Berber handmade artisan clay  Berber dish from the region of Imi N Tanout in Morocco, with no painted decoration, boost all those aspects to which its undeniable decorative potential and the superb and warm patina due to years and years of traditional use to grind the pits of the argan tree fruits and obtain the dense paste from which the famous and precious argan oil is extracted.

A lovely old earthenware vessel -bukala- from the Rif region in Northern Morocco. It is used to store food. The pottery from the Rif region is handmade by women using the coil technique. Once the piece is molded, it will be polished and a slip (engobe) is applied to it. Traditional tribal designs are painted with natural dyes that, in addition to decorating, have prophylactic and flattering effects. Finally, it is cooked in primitive adobe ovens or buried in embers. Authentic ancestral beauty!

A lovely old earthenware vessel -bukala- from the Rif region in Northern Morocco. It is used to store food. The pottery from the Rif region is handmade by women using the coil technique. Once the piece is molded, it will be polished and a slip (engobe) is applied to it. Traditional tribal designs are painted with natural dyes that, in addition to decorating, have prophylactic and flattering effects. Finally, it is cooked in primitive adobe ovens or buried in embers. Authentic ancestral beauty!

A lovely old earthenware water jug -guembura- from the Rif region in Northern Morocco. Used to transport water. The pottery from the Rif region is handmade by women using the coil technique. Once the piece is molded, it will be polished and a slip (engobe) is applied to it. Traditional tribal designs are painted with natural dyes that, in addition to decorating, have prophylactic and flattering effects. Authentic ancestral beauty!

A lovely old earthenware water jug -guembura- from the Rif region in Northern Morocco. Used to transport water. The pottery from the Rif region is handmade by women using the coil technique. Once the piece is molded, it will be polished and a slip (engobe) is applied to it. Traditional tribal designs are painted with natural dyes that, in addition to decorating, have prophylactic and flattering effects. Authentic ancestral beauty!

A lovely old earthenware pot -guedra- from the Rif region in Northern Morocco. Used to prepare food. The pottery from the Rif region is handmade by women using the coil technique. Once the piece is molded, it will be polished and a slip (engobe) is applied to it. Traditional tribal designs are painted with natural dyes that, in addition to decorating, have prophylactic and flattering effects. Finally, it is cooked in primitive adobe ovens or buried in embers. Authentic ancestral beauty!

A lovely old earthenware pot -guedra- from the Rif region in Northern Morocco. Used to prepare food. The pottery from the Rif region is handmade by women using the coil technique. Once the piece is molded, it will be polished and a slip (engobe) is applied to it. Traditional tribal designs are painted with natural dyes that, in addition to decorating, have prophylactic and flattering effects. Finally, it is cooked in primitive adobe ovens or buried in embers. Authentic ancestral beauty!

This is yet another example of the appeal of simple things to which the Berber people treat us quite often. While their textiles, as well as their jewels, tell us about an unlimited torrent of creativity and imagination without compromising a bit on their authenticity and the symbols and elements that define them as a group, clay earthenware vessels like this milk pitcher  take us to the realm of the beauty of humble things. The design and lines of this old Berber handmade artisan clay  vessel from Taliouine in the Moroccan Anti Atlas region, with no enamel and no painted decoration, boost all those aspects to which its undeniable decorative potential and the superb and warm patina due to years and years of traditional use are not but an additional asset.    

This is yet another example of the appeal of simple things to which the Berber people treat us quite often. While their textiles, as well as their jewels, tell us about an unlimited torrent of creativity and imagination without compromising a bit on their authenticity and the symbols and elements that define them as a group, clay earthenware vessels like this milk pitcher  take us to the realm of the beauty of humble things. The design and lines of this old Berber handmade artisan clay  vessel from Taliouine in the Moroccan Anti Atlas region, with no enamel and no painted decoration, boost all those aspects to which its undeniable decorative potential and the superb and warm patina due to years and years of traditional use are not but an additional asset.    

A beautiful old earthenware milk pot -yuna- from the Rif region in Northern Morocco. Used to collect milk from the cattle. The pottery from the Rif region is handmade by women using the coil technique. Once the piece is molded, it will be polished and a slip (engobe) is applied to it. Traditional tribal designs are painted with natural dyes that, in addition to decorating, have prophylactic and flattering effects. Finally, it is cooked in primitive adobe ovens or buried in embers. Authentic ancestral beauty!

A superb old Moroccan Berber eathernware vessel to cook the traditiuonal couscous. The lower part would be used to stew lamb or chicken with vegetables and the upper part would be used to steam the couscous. A very authentic piece showing a great patina gained over years and years of constant use.

A nice Moroccan glazed ceramic bowl.

A lovely old earthenware water jug -guembura- from the Rif region in Northern Morocco. Used to transport water. The pottery from the Rif region is handmade by women using the coil technique. Once the piece is molded, it will be polished and a slip (engobe) is applied to it. Traditional tribal designs are painted with natural dyes that, in addition to decorating, have prophylactic and flattering effects. In this case, of so much use, the designs have almost disappeared although the piece retains a magnificent patina enhanced by the sensual organic shapes that only female hands can mold. Authentic ancestral beauty!

An old terracotta vessel from Mali. Its shape, particularly the neck, and it simple yet elegant engraved decoration would lead us to the style commonly referred to as Djenné or to Bankoni. A superb piece, well balanced and showing a high dexterity.