Association Tithrite · Ait Hamza
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
1m 60cm x 90cm x 1cm — 5ft 3in x 2ft 11in x 1in
WEIGHT
1773 g
MATERIALS
Cotton Thread and Tadout - Wool
PRODUCT ID
#14608
Hanbels are detailed bohemian style handmade rugs. Thel carpets have a long history in Ait Hamza. Even before the arrival of Islam in the 9th century, Hanbals were gifts given only to wealthy, noble families in the area. The value of a Hanbal comes from their unique beauty and the incredible skill required to make one. It can take a woman over one month to complete an average sized Hanbal. Over time, the Hanbal evolved from a gift reserved for nobility, and became one of main ways families in Ait Hamza generated income for their basic needs. This tradition still continues today as many women depend on Hanbals as their sole source of income.
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MEET THE MAKERS
Fatima Oukhalu
Fatima is 32 years old and she is divorced. She is born in Goulmima and went to school there. She dropped out in middle school. She learned sewing in “La Maison des Jeunes” which is a social and educational center located in her region. The center’s mentors taught her the techniques of sewing and now she has got a diplomat in sewing. Her specialty in the association is sewing and she looks forward to bright future. She likes to travel a lot.
Fatima Oukhallou Mimoun
Fatima Oukhlu Fatima was born in Ait Hamza during the 1960’s. She was born into a poor family and never went to school because when she was younger only boys could attend school. Instead of school, Fatima learned how to weave and sold her weavings to notable people in her village and also sold rugs from time to time to cover the costs of food and clothing for her family. When she married, she furnished her new home entirely with rugs that she created by hand. Since the family she married into didn’t have a flock of sheep as many families did at the time, she continued to weave to help support her family. She joined Association Tithrite in order to generate more income from her work, and she has been at the association since it began.
VISIT THE VILLAGE
Association Tithrite hosts visitors in their village — share tea, watch the artisans at work, and see the craft up close. Visits start at $14 per person, and most of it goes straight to the group.
Ait Hamza, Morocco · about 1 heure 46 min from Fez
