History and Significance of Tamegroute's Famous Green Pottery in Morocco

The Rich History of Tamegroute Pottery

Situated deep in the Draa Valley of Morocco lies the oasis town of Tamegroute, home to the famous Tamegroute Pottery cooperative. For centuries, the Zaouia brotherhood of Tamegroute has been producing the beautiful green pottery that the town is so well known for.

Centuries Old Techniques

The unique green coloring of Tamegroute pottery comes from the use of traditional glazes made from local copper deposits. This ancient pottery technique gives the clay pots and tiles their distinctive green tint.

In addition to the special glazes, the clay itself brings out the beautiful earthy tones. The local red clay is dug by hand from ancient clay beds situated around the region. Potters then shape it using a traditional potter's wheel or mold the clay by hand using ancient techniques passed down through generations.

Traditional Kiln Firing

After the clay pots have air dried, they are loaded into the large wood-burning kilns to be fired. The kilns are constructed from clay and fueled with brush and wood that has been gathered from the palms surrounding Tamegroute.

It can take up to seven days for the temperature inside the kilns to reach over 1000°C. At this high heat, the pottery undergoes a transformation, with vibrant glazes melting into the clay to produce the much desired green tint.

Cultural Significance

The history of the famous green pottery of Tamegroute gives it both cultural and spiritual importance. The production of the pottery has always been tied to the Zaouia brotherhood, a respected Islamic religious fraternity, who founded the town of Tamegroute in the 11th century.

Supporting Spiritual Pursuits

The tithing generated from the sale of the pottery has always gone towards supporting the Zaouia brotherhood in their spiritual pursuits. This continues even today, with the revenue assisting the library and religious school attached to the tamegroute pottery cooperative.

An Enduring Tradition

The desire to follow this centuries old tradition helps spur the creation of thousands of pots, vases and tiles every year. The production process continues in the same manner as it has for hundreds of years.

Local resident potters gather the clay by hand, slowly throwing and molding each piece on traditional foot-pedal wheels. Open drying areas display rows upon rows of freshly made creations left to air dry under the hot Saharan sun.

Tamegroute Pottery Today

Travelers exploring southern Morocco are drawn to the rich history still evident today amongst the scenic backdrop of Tamegroute's pottery quarter.

Tour the Workshops

Most pottery workshops are open for tourists to wander around. Visitors can stop to watch the potters shaping the forms that have been made in the village for generations, using the foot powered wheels that are centuries old.

Shop Directly for Pottery

Beyond just witnessing the production process, Tamegroute offers the chance for visitors to buy pottery directly from the source. Small shops are filled with the famous green pottery from tiles, tagines and tea sets to planters, vases and serving dishes.

Stores offer a vibrant display of both the natural earthen clay tones as well as the bright pops of color from the artisans' choice of traditional glazes.

Learn Traditional Techniques

For those wanting a more hands-on experience during their time in Tamegroute, pottery making classes are available. Both children and adult workshops give first-hand experience in working the clay using traditional techniques.

Under the guidance of experienced potters, visitors can try their hand at throwing pots on the foot-powered wheels or hand molding their own creations. It's a memorable way to connect with this enduring artistic tradition continuing in this desert oasis renowned for its beautiful tamegroute pottery.

FAQs

Why is Tamegroute pottery green?

The green color comes from the special glazes used during the firing process. These glazes are made from local copper deposits, which give the pottery its distinctive green tint when heated to high temperatures in the kilns.

How is the clay collected?

The clay is dug by hand from ancient clay beds situated around the Tamegroute region. Potters manually gather the earthy red clay before transporting it back to their workshops.

What fuels the pottery kilns?

The large wood-burning kilns used to fire the pottery are fueled using brush and palm woods collected from the oasis surrounds. It can take up to a week for the kiln temperatures to reach over 1000°C.

Can visitors make pottery in Tamegroute?

Yes, many workshops now offer pottery making classes. Under the guidance of experienced local potters, visitors can try making their own pots or tiles using the traditional tools and techniques.