Safi’s Pottery

Historical records and archaeological discoveries indicate that pottery-making has been deeply rooted in the history of Safi since at least the Almoravid era. Over the centuries, craftsmen have tirelessly preserved and developed their expertise and skills in this craft, enabling Safi to become a provincial hub for pottery. Today, with approximately 4,500 craftsmen relying on this heritage for their livelihood, Safi is renowned as the centre of fine pottery in Morocco. Safi’s pottery not only preserves an ancient national heritage but also promotes tourism in the city and serves as a significant source of income for numerous craftsmen. These artisans are primarily based in Tel El Fakhkharin (the Hill of Potters), Wad Cha’ba, and the village of potters. They specialise in various stages of pottery-making, which include: • Dkak: Preparing the clay • Terab: Mixing the clay with water • Luwalbi: Shaping pots on the wheel • Zlaiji: Glazing the pots • Zwaq: Decorating the pieces with dye • Frai: Firing the products in the kiln Once the appropriate clay is extracted, it undergoes multiple stages before becoming a pot on the potter’s wheel. The shaped pot is left to dry in the sun, polished, coated with a special liquid, dried again, and then fired in the kiln. After the initial firing, the pot is dyed using five main colours: white, blue, green, yellow, and brown. It is then coated with a layer of glaze, and in the final stage, refired to fix the glaze, enhance the decorations, and achieve the desired lustre. Using these intricate techniques, Safi’s craftsmen create a wide variety of products, including vases, tableware, storage jars, candlesticks, inkwells, and incense buers, along with many decorative items.