Association Tithrite · Ait Hamza
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
1m 36cm x 92cm x 1cm — 4ft 6in x 3ft x 1in
WEIGHT
1700 g
MATERIALS
Tadout - Wool and Wool Thread
PRODUCT ID
#29410
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
Itto Shedli
Itto was born in a small village outside of Ait Hamza and moved to the village when she married her husband at the age of 19. She and her husband have three children. Her oldest son is almost finished with high school and is one of the best students in her class. Itto did not study in school but is a regular at the association’s literacy class. Her sole source of income is through the sales of her rugs and hopes that after the needs of her family are met she can save a little money to travel to her favorite Moroccan city of Agadir.
Zahra Idrissi
Zahra started weaving when she was eight years old. Her female neighbour taught her how to weave. She never went to school and she used to work for some rich families in order to support her own family. Her parents died and then she lived with her brother and his wife. Now that she's a member of Tithrite Association, she no longer feels like she's a burden to her brother. She hopes to help her poor community because she knows how it feels. She likes to weave alot and she thinks that it always feels good to earn money from what she likes to do.
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
