Association Tithrite · Ait Hamza
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
1m 50cm x 98cm x 1cm — 4ft 11in x 3ft 3in x 1in
WEIGHT
1675 g
MATERIALS
Cotton Thread and Tadout - Wool
PRODUCT ID
#15612
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 βLa Maison des Jeunesβ which is a social and educational center located in her region. The centerβs 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.
Itto Benhammi
Itto Benahmi was born in Ait Yahya, Ait Hamza, and is a divorced mother of one son. She grew up in a family that owned livestock, giving her access to high-quality wool from an early age. Guided by her mother, she learned the art of weaving as a child, beginning a lifelong connection to this traditional craft. She completed primary school through the fifth grade. Like many girls in her region at the time, she was unable to continue her education because there were no secondary schools nearby, and families did not allow their daughters to travel far from home to study. Instead, she devoted herself to weaving, preserving the knowledge passed down through generations of women in her family. In 2012, Itto joined the association because she believes in the strength of working together something she had always experienced within her own family. Since then, she has continued to grow both as an artisan and as a member of a supportive community. Today, She hopes to earn a better income while further developing her skills alongside her fellow artisans. Above all, she dreams of passing her knowledge on to the next generation, ensuring that the rich weaving traditions of her community continue to thrive for years to come.
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
