Harbach | Décorateur Tissage Traditionnel

Bridging Tradition and Modernism in the Fendeq

In over 90 traditional workshops known as “fendeqs” in Marrakech, artists and weavers collaborate to sustain their techniques. Fendeqs also serve as spaces where artisans can receive specialized training in the craft, and they often pass down skills without any formal schooling. Despite the challenges and time commitment of traditional work, especially in Morocco where young people tend to opt for different professions, artists like Ahmed are examples of resiliency. And for Ahmed, the choice stems from a personal passion for theater, specifically creating stage decorations. He has worked for several years at the Chamber of Craftsmen in Marrakech’s economic and social services, where he has connected with other artists to build a network to pursue their crafts.

Their process involves designing and selecting patterns using traditional hand-operated wooden weaving tools. The cotton threads are manipulated using a manual tool called a “benzeq” in parallel with changing the four wooden pedals. This time-intensive process, which combines hand and foot movements, takes approximately half a day to produce a well-finished cotton fabric, traditionally used as a bed cover. Ahmed emphasizes the importance of synchronous movement to create the immaculately crafted textiles.