Morocco & USA, Artisan Project / Ain Leuh Cooperative, Weaving

The Ethos held by Artisan Project is to honor Moroccan artisanship, improve the lives of craftspeople and their families and ensure hand-weaving skills continue to thrive. 

Artisan Project aims to change perceptions of the once nomadic people of Morocco. Known to most as Berbers, their true name is ‘Amazigh’ meaning ‘free humans’. Amazigh culture comes with a rich textile history, that’s deeply-rooted in nature and the landscape. For Morocco’s artisans, hand-weaving is sacred. Every textile has a life cycle that’s deeply connected to the land. Wool is ‘baraka’ a divine blessing - sheared in the spring, then washed, combed, and carded, before being spun. From knotting and weaving to cleaning and finishing, they oversee every part of the process and reinterpret our designs using age-old techniques. 

Artisan Project works hand-in-hand with fourth generation weavers to make beach towels, blankets and throws in ancient Fez medina. And two hours from the city, in the Middle Atlas Mountains, the Ain Leuh Women’s Weaving Cooperative makes  bespoke blankets and selected hand-knotted rugs, on vertical looms.

Artisan Project was featured in Selvedge Magazine Issue 98, Together. 

To follow the story of Artisan Project, find them on social media here.