Morocco, like most non-western countries, has a thriving artisan class that still produces hand-made products that are in demand.  We had the chance to visit several artisans and craftsmen on the trip.  Among them were rug merchants and potters.  But several, are noted for their unqueness.

Fossil Factory - Morocco was once an ocean and among their fossil record is a large number of nautilus and squid fossils dating back 23 million years.  In Erfound, we visited a factory that grinds and chisels stone to reveal the fossils.  They also make large sculptures and tables for the fossil stone.

Pottery/Mosaic Factory.  We were able to view the entire process from shaping the mud through painting and firing the finished product.  We also saw craftsmen who spent their entire day shaping small mosaic tiles to be used in large mosaic pieces.  Moreover, we saw mosaics craftsmen, hand shaping the patterns before sealing them in the grout.

Argan Oil.  The argan nut produces an oil that is used for cooking but also used in beauty products.  We visited a small shop where we saw how the nut is shelled by hand using a hard stone to pressing the nut for the oil and then using the oil for products.

Souq Tannery.  The Souq Tannery, in Fez, is the oldest tannery in the world having started in 1000 AD.  The hides, skinned from the animal nearby, are brought to the tannery on mules.  The tanning and dying is done in open air vats about 4 feet in diameter.  The workers, place the skins in the vats and then climb into the vat and work the skins with their hands and feet.  The liquid comes up to their crotch.  (OSHA would not approve.)  We were invited into the tannery and shot for more than an hour.  The odor was brutal and the filth tremendous, but being able to talk with the workers and have them so willing to be photographed was an experience that will never be forgotten.