Palais Damasquini
Meknes Opened Opening date unknown
Gold and silver inlaid into steel by hand, one thread at a time
The Essaidi family has practiced damascening in Meknes for generations, hammering threads of gold, silver and copper into steel by hand. The craft traveled here from Damascus centuries ago and took root in Meknes more than anywhere else in Morocco. Maalem Hicham Essaidi runs the workshop today, and Morocco's Ministry of Handicrafts named him to represent the trade nationally under its Maalem program for master artisans.
The shop sits in Kissariat Lahrir in the medina. Stop by during working hours and you'll watch one of the last craftsmen still doing this by hand instead of machine. Vases, plates and decorative pieces fill the shelves, each one worked slowly enough that watching takes longer than most visitors plan for.
Good to know
- Ask to see the inlay demonstration if a craftsman is working
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