Berber culture in Morocco

The Amazigh have been in North Africa as far back as 3000 BCE, and many can trace their lineage back to Yemen and other countries in the Middle East. In Morocco, over 80 percent of people identify as Berber or Amazigh, and the Atlas Mountains range, which dominates the country like a strong spine, is home to the majority. Most also identify as Muslims and, as well as speaking Arabic, they have their own language, known as Tamazight. It is interesting to note that although the majority of the population is Amazigh, their language has only been taught in schools since 2009.

Thank you in Tamazight = Ake issrebeh moulana Hello in Tamazight = Manzakine or Salam The Amazaigh people can be divided into three groups: the Riffians, the Chleuh and the Central Moroccan Amazigh and the majority are subsistence farmers managing small holdings with goats and sheep, growing fruits and nuts. They may also be weavers and fabric dyers, with Amazigh carpet making one of many their artisan skills. There are also nomadic communities, although the majority is based in mountain villages now, with traditional adobe houses often built like a compound, enclosing gardens and private outdoor space for artisan work such as weaving. Home is most definitely where the heart is in Amazigh culture, with multi generational families living together in a traditional, patriarchal way.

The Berber or Amazigh people are celebrated for their artistic skills, from pottery to weaving, jewellery to henna art and, in particular, their exquisite designs. For many artists, however, their work is seen as an almost meditative process where they get a chance to incorporate ‘baraka’, into their work. The concept of ‘baraka’ is deeply engrained in Amazigh culture and is best translated as ‘spiritual power’ or ‘power of the saints’. This concept dates from long before their conversion to Islam and it is basically all about keeping bad spirits at bay or staying clear of the ‘evil eye’, by using symbols, motifs and certain colours in their designs.

There are two museums of interest when it comes to Amazigh culture, both in Marrakech. The first is Tiskiwin Museum, which was founded by a Dutch anthropologist who lived here and who had an incredible collection of cultural artefacts. This is one of Marrakech’s best kept secrets, unlike the second Berber beauty which is in the heart of the Majorelle Gardens also in Marrakech. Get to that one early or late in the day to avoid the coachloads.