LOC13:11
10:11 GMT
By Mostafa Al-Sufi (With photos)
RABAT, Aug 9 (KUNA) -- Morocco is known for its magnificent wood carving
which is considered the country's heritage.
Speaking to KUNA, craftsman Mohammad Salami said wood carving is inherited
from one generation to the other and it is deeply rooted and influenced by the
Islamic arts, Andalusia, and oriental creativities.
The old cities of Morocco especially the suburbs of Rabat, Fes, and
Marrakesh plus other southern cities are famous for breath-taking wood carving
arts, he added.
Asfi city, which is near Casablanca, is famed for its glazed earthenware.
Al-Suweira, Tanzit, and Agadir are renowned for jewelry making.
Moroccan old cities have intense and complex history and they were
influenced by colonization for the past centuries which made changes over
woodcarving.
Craftsmen in the suburbs of Rabat use cashew, high quality wood panels,
imported from France, Italy, Brazil and other Asian nations, Salami said.
Craftsmen use ivory, silver, copper and cow bones in the wood carved tables
and furniture to give them more lustrous finishing, he added.
Another craftsman Arabi Al-Mosafer told KUNA that Moroccan wood carving is
a form of Islamic architectural decoration used in monuments and mosques. Wood
carvings can be seen in the doors, windows, ceilings, walls and prayers
adytum, he added.
Al-Mosafer, who is in charge of a workshop in Rabat, said wood carving is
similar to other handcrafts such as gypsum board carving, stained glass,
mosaic, Islamic calligraphy, copper and marble works.
Wood carving flourished during the Phoenician and the Roman eras, and it
was further developed during the Andalusian age which was reflected in the
houses, courtyards, old mosques especially in the old cities of Morocco such
as Fes, Marrakesh and other Islamic and Arabic nations, he added.
Moroccan people preserve such heritage by using Islamic decoration in their
houses. Besides, Islamic art crafts add majesty to the palaces, grand hotels,
restaurants, tombs and shrines of the family of Prophet Mohammed (peace be
upon him).
The wood carving arts become widely on demand during the summer season due
to the wedding ceremonies and tourists who show great interest in collecting
accessories and sculptures.
Wood carving attracts creative youth and becomes a source to earn their
living, craftsman Mohammed Yazid told KUNA.
Wood carving was affected by the global financial downturn, however, it has
its enthusiasts who support it, he said.
Influx of tourists quest for wood-carved masterpieces at exhibitions held
here, Yazid said.
Wood carving boosts the tourism in Morocco, he said.
Wood carving requires smart craftsmen who enjoy patience, Yazid added.
Among the tools used in wood carving are carving knife; gouge which is a
tool with a curved cutting edge used in a variety of forms and sizes for
carving hollows; Chisel which is a carving tool with a straight cutting edge;
and a V-Tool which is a carving tool with a V shaped cutting edge and it is
used for outlining and decorative cuts, Yazid explained.
"A wood carving craftsman is a talented person by nature," Yazid said,
adding that a craftsman practices rich and beautiful Islamic art on a daily
basis.
The Hassan II Mosque which is located in Casablanca is considered one of
the masterpieces of the Islamic world. It is unique for its Islamic
architectural decoration enriched with woodcarving done by a group of fine
craftsmen from Morocco and others who were imported from the Islamic world,
Yazid said.
Yazid concluded by calling officials to support traditional craftsmen; and
to establish schools and centers in the entire Islamic world to teach the wood
carving profession for the future generations. (end)
sf.mar
KUNA 091311 Aug 09NNNN