Morocco’s colorful fiber art

In Morocco, in addition to visiting an ancient pharmacy (or whatever they are calling an argan oil dispensary these days) that a friend or relative of your tour guide owns, you will likely go to a carpet store and/or scarf shop on most tours as well.

While also a tourist trap, the latter stores are a feast for the eyes.

The carpet store employees unfurl their carpets on the floor similar to as in Turkey.

At many, you can also see the process of making the rugs which is quite interesting.

At the scarf and shawl souks, you can see the many different patterns and colors they use in the scarves.  And at many, they will show you the pigments they use to make the colors.  Some are as you’d expect, but others are unusual in that a pigment that looks one color actually dyes the yarn a different color.

They will also help you properly wrap your head in a scarf (which is super stifling) but might be useful in the Chicago winters. This is my friend, all wrapped up and ready to go.