Product Description Superbly illustrated with more than 150 colour photographs of Morocco’s crafts, including textiles, jewelry, leather, wood, metalwork and ceramics Superbly illustrated with more than 150 specially commissioned colour photographs, this book beautifully demonstrates the dazzling strengths of Morocco's crafts – a centuries-long tradition which intermingles influences from both Black Africa and Islam, and from the spectacular cultural alliance of the Moors and the Spaniards. This pioneering account, based on the author's own first-hand research, examines vibrantly-coloured textiles, jewelry, leather, wood and metalwork and an enormous variety of pottery and ceramics. Complete with guidance for collectors and a uniquely revealing analysis of the belief systems, festivals and ceremonies to which the arts relate, this book by the leading scholar in the field will be invaluable to collectors, designers and all those looking for original decorative ideas. Table of Contents Introduction • I. Beliefs, Symbols and Tattoos • II. Textiles: Clothing, Weaving ad Embroidery • III. Jewelry and Adornment • IV. Leatherwork, Woodwork and Metalwork • V. Ceramics • VI. Ceremonies and the Celebration of Life and Death • Collecting Moroccan Arts and Crafts • Glossary, Bibliography, Index Review Showcases the remarkable achievements of the artisans of this still exotic country. From the Back Cover The spectacular arts and crafts of Morocco reflect a timeless mingling of influences from Moorish Spain, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East - all the exotic worlds that once congregated at this crossroads of ancient trading routes. Striking in its versatility and diversity, Moroccan art has long influenced artists, architects, and designers. This volume, superbly illustrated with more than 150 original color photographs, brings the dazzling splendor of a thriving artisan tradition to a wider and increasingly appreciative international audience. Vibrantly colored textiles; exquisitely crafted jewelry: finely worked leather, wood, metal; and an enormous collection of pottery and ceramics are all gathered together in this engaging guide by a leading Morroco scholar. These marvelous objects are inspired in form and content by the tribal lifestyle and powerful animistic beliefs of the nomadic artisans, as well as by the compelling aesthetic traditions of the Moslem world, giving each item's utility and remarkable beauty a spiritual resonance. With a lively text describing traditional artistic forms and techniques, and a comprehensive analysis of the belief systems, festivals, and ceremonies to which the arts are linked, Arts and Crafts of Morocco will prove irresistible not only to those intrigued by this fascinating land, but also to collectors, designers, and anyone in search of original decorative ideas. About the Author Dr James F. Jereb has devoted many years to the study of Morocco and its traditional arts. He is an artist who works in paint, print and stone, and is the creator of ‘Stardreaming, Temples of the Cosmos’, a 22-acre sacred stone temple labyrinth complex in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
