Traditional Moroccan Embroidery: Tarz el Ghorza and Fesi Embroidery

Morocco is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and its traditional embroidery is one of its most beautiful expressions. Two of the most popular Moroccan embroidery styles are Tarz el Ghorza and Fesi embroidery.

Tarz el Ghorza is a traditional Moroccan style of counted-thread embroidery. It is practiced by Berber ladies in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Tarz el Ghorza is a meticulous and time-consuming art form that involves carefully calculating the number of warp and weft yarns for each stitch in order to create symmetrical, uniform patterns. The stitches are so precise that they must be counted under a magnifying glass.

Fesi embroidery, also known as Tarz al Fassi, is a traditional style of embroidery from the city of Fez in Morocco. It is known for its intricate, geometric, and reversible designs. Fesi embroidery is typically done on a grand scale, with large tablecloths and napkins taking months to complete. However, in recent years, artisans have begun to create smaller items, such as handkerchiefs and coin purses, that are more marketable to tourists.

Both Tarz el Ghorza and Fesi embroidery are unique and beautiful art forms that are worth learning more about. Here is a closer look at each style:

Tarz el Ghorza

Tarz el Ghorza is a relatively new style of embroidery, dating back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have been developed by Berber women in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Tarz el Ghorza is typically done on linen or wool fabric, and the designs are typically geometric. Some of the most common Tarz el Ghorza motifs include diamonds, triangles, and zigzags.

To create a Tarz el Ghorza embroidery, the artisan first transfers the design to the fabric using a pencil or chalk. They then use a counted-thread stitch to fill in the design. The counted-thread stitch is a type of stitch that is counted and measured on a grid. This ensures that the stitches are even and consistent, and that the design is symmetrical.

Tarz el Ghorza embroidery is often used to decorate traditional Moroccan clothing, such as djellabas and caftans. It is also used to decorate home furnishings, such as pillowcases, tablecloths, and curtains.

Fesi Embroidery

Fesi embroidery is a much older style of embroidery, dating back to the 10th century. It is believed to have been developed in the city of Fez in Morocco. Fesi embroidery is typically done on silk or cotton fabric, and the designs are typically geometric or floral. Some of the most common Fesi embroidery motifs include flowers, leaves, and Arabic calligraphy.

To create a Fesi embroidery, the artisan first transfers the design to the fabric using a pencil or chalk. They then use a variety of stitches, such as the backstitch, the running stitch, and the chain stitch, to fill in the design. Fesi embroidery is known for its intricate and detailed designs.

Fesi embroidery is often used to decorate traditional Moroccan clothing, such as kaftans and jebbas. It is also used to decorate home furnishings, such as tablecloths, napkins, and pillowcases.

Conclusion

Tarz el Ghorza and Fesi embroidery are two unique and beautiful art forms that are worth learning more about. If you are interested in purchasing Moroccan embroidery, there are a number of things you can do:

• Purchase Moroccan embroidered items from artisans in Morocco or from online retailers such as Moroccantastics.om
• Take a Moroccan embroidery class.
• Spread the word about Moroccan embroidery and encourage others to support this unique and traditional art form.

By supporting Moroccan embroidery, you can help to keep this beautiful tradition alive for future generations.

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