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  • Leather goods or leather work, a crafts for everyday life

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    Marroquinería o trabajo en cuero, una artesanía para el día a día

    Sometimes we buy handicraft pieces as mere decorative elements, pieces that by their beauty becomes works of art whose only use in contemplation. However there is a craft that in many cases is part of our daily lives and sometimes goes unnoticed, we talk about leather goods.

    Moroccan artisans have raised embossed leather work to reach levels of excellence that are hardly surpassed. As shown we have the fact that leather work is known as leather goods whose etymological root leads us directly to Morocco.

    Moroccan leather

    The origin of leather crafts

    If we investigate to the bottom of the matter. Leather crafts go back to prehistory when the first men find the raw material in the skins of animals to make rough clothes that protect them from the cold. This is proof of the existence of dresses, bags and leather sandals some with more than 8000 years old.

    At first the skins with hair were used but later the primitive craftsmen discovered that if this one was eliminated they obtained a more versatile product. Between 3000 and 5000 BC, the work of tanning and manufacturing of leather goods took place. By the year 1000 of ours, the fashion of the skins had been imposed throughout the Christian West including, to the Iberian Peninsula, as well as in the Arab world of the Middle East, North Africa and Muslim Spain.

    Leather crafts in Morocco have a name, Fez

    The city of Fez offers us a wide range of experiences but without a doubt one of the important and impressive is the visit to its Medina and more specifically to the Suq of the tanners. Heirs of a rich and enough tradition, the tanning craftsmen of Fez continue to make pieces of leather crafts as their ancestors did. Through a set of artisan techniques they manage to convert pieces of animal skin into soft leather with which to make pieces such as belts, wallets, bags ...

    Until the medina of Fez comes the raw skin. Depending on what is going to be its use, the skin of an animal or another is used, although the most common are the skins of lamb, goat, cow and dromedary. Then the skin is treated with quicklime and pigeon droppings to remove any rest. If you read correctly, pigeon droppings, which are partly responsible for the softness of the leather. It is subsequently air dried while it continues to be worked by the expert hands of Moroccan artisans. In fact, if you are fortunate enough to visit the medina of Fez you can see how the roofs of leather in the roofs of all the houses so that the wind does its job.

    But without a doubt, what makes leather crafts from Morocco unique is the use of natural dyes. Despite the continuous progress and the growing existence of artificial products, Moroccan artisans still use natural dyes to color their pieces. This process is carried out in stone vats that have become a first-class tourist attraction. In them natural dyes to obtain a wide range of tones: Mint for green. Red poppy. Saffron for yellow.

    The leather is introduced into these pools for several days according to the intensity of the dye and other parameters that the tanning masters know perfectly. Meanwhile, artisans work hard in these large stone vats, review the process, tamp, rub an arduous task that is done in full sun and with a mixture of "aromas" difficult to describe.

    Once this process is finished, we obtain sheets of excellent Moroccan leather ready to be used in the elaboration of the most varied crafts. Pieces that of course can be found on our website with the guarantee of being able to enjoy a unique piece.

     

    Information and wholesale orders: 

    E-mail: info@decorationalcazaba.com
    Phones: 697431100 / 958468377
    Website: www.decorationalcazaba.com

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    Sometimes we buy handcrafted items as mere decorative elements, pieces whose beauty transforms them into works of art, whose sole purpose is to be seen. However, there is a craft that is often part of our daily lives and that sometimes goes unnoticed: leather goods.

    Moroccan artisans have elevated embossed leather work to levels of excellence that are difficult to surpass. This is demonstrated by the fact that leatherworking is known as **leatherwork**, whose etymological roots lead us directly to Morocco.

    Moroccan leather

    The origin of leather crafts

    If we delve deeper into the matter, **leather craftsmanship** dates back to prehistoric times, when early humans found raw material in animal skins to make rough garments to protect them from the cold. There is evidence of the existence of leather dresses, bags, and sandals, some of which are more than 8000 years old.

    At first, fur-covered hides were used, but primitive artisans later discovered that removing the fur provided a more versatile product. Tanning and leathercrafting began between 3000 and 5000 BC. By 1000 AD, the fashion for fur had spread throughout the Christian West, including the Iberian Peninsula, as well as the Arab world of the Near East, North Africa, and Muslim Spain.

    Leather crafts in Morocco have a name, Fez

    The city of Fez offers a wide range of experiences, but without a doubt, one of the most impressive is a visit to its Medina and, more specifically, to the Tanners' Suq. Heirs to a rich and vast tradition, the artisan tanners of Fez continue to craft leatherwork just as their ancestors did. Using a range of artisanal techniques, they transform pieces of animal hide into soft leather, which they use to make items such as belts, wallets, and handbags.

    Raw hides arrive in the medina of Fez. Depending on the intended use, the skin of one animal or another is used; although the most common are lamb, goat, cow, and dromedary hides. The hide is then treated with quicklime and pigeon droppings to remove any residue. Yes, you read correctly, pigeon droppings, which are partly responsible for the leather's softness. It is then air-dried while continuing to be worked by the expert hands of Moroccan artisans. In fact, if you are fortunate enough to visit the medina of Fez, you can see how the sheets of leather flutter on the rooftops of every house, letting the wind do its work.

    But without a doubt, what makes Moroccan leather crafts unique is the use of natural dyes. Despite continued advancements and the growing availability of artificial products, Moroccan artisans continue to use natural dyes to color their pieces. This process is carried out in stone vats that have become a major tourist attraction. In them, natural dyes create a wide range of hues: mint for green, poppy for red, and saffron for yellow.

    The leather is placed in these vats for several days, depending on the intensity of the dye and other parameters that the master tanners know perfectly. Meanwhile, the artisans toil inside these large stone vats, monitoring the process, tamping, and rubbing—an arduous task carried out in full sunlight and a mixture of aromas that are difficult to describe.

    Once this process is complete, we obtain sheets of excellent Moroccan leather, ready to be used in the creation of a wide variety of leather crafts. You can, of course, find these pieces on our website, guaranteeing that you'll be able to enjoy a unique piece.

    What is leather goods?

    **Leatherwork** refers to the skilled artisanal crafting of leather objects and accessories. Traditionally, these products include items such as handbags, wallets, belts, briefcases, and other high-quality accessories that combine functionality and aesthetics. This art is not only a leatherworking technique but also a cultural tradition that has endured through generations, especially in countries such as Morocco, Italy, and Spain.

    **Leatherwork** is one of the oldest forms of craftsmanship, perfected over time by master artisans who know every detail of how the material is handled. From tanning the hides to stitching and dyeing, every step is essential to creating high-quality, durable pieces.

    The leatherworking process in artisanal leatherwork

    **Leatherwork** is not simply a process of transforming materials; it is an art that requires patience, skill, and a deep knowledge of the material. From tanning the hide to transforming it into a final product, artisans perform every step with care and precision. First, the appropriate hide is selected, usually from animals such as cow, goat, or lamb. This hide then undergoes a tanning process that makes it more supple and durable.

    Once tanned, the leather is cleaned, dyed, and conditioned using natural dyes that give artisanal leather goods a distinctive color. Artisans use a variety of techniques, from embossing and engraving to hand-stitching, to ensure each piece is unique. This manual approach is what distinguishes leather goods from industrial productions, ensuring that each item is a work of art in itself.

    Leather goods as part of the decoration

    Leather goods aren't just limited to personal accessories; they also play an important role in home decor. Handcrafted leather goods such as pillows, tapestries, and curtains crafted from leather can add a touch of sophistication and warmth to any space. The rich texture of leather, along with the vibrant colors obtained through natural dyes, make these products decorative elements of great aesthetic value.

    By incorporating **leather goods** into your decor, you can transform an ordinary space into a cozy and stylish environment. Leather's versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of decorative applications, from furniture upholstery to small accents like picture frames or leather-finished side tables.

    Sustainability in artisanal leather goods

    In a world increasingly aware of environmental issues, artisanal leather goods stand out for their sustainable approach. Unlike mass-produced products, leather goods are created responsibly, using natural materials and manual processes that not only preserve cultural heritage but also minimize environmental impact. The use of natural dyes and tanning hides without harsh chemicals are examples of how artisans are committed to sustainability.

    Additionally, being handmade, **leather goods** tend to be more durable, which means they're not only high-quality, but also help reduce excessive resource consumption. By choosing **handmade leather goods**, you're not only purchasing a unique piece, but also contributing to a more sustainable future.

    Luxury leather goods: Quality and exclusivity

    The term luxury leather goods refers to leather goods that stand out not only for their exceptional quality but also for their exclusivity. Luxury brands that specialize in leather goods employ precise manufacturing techniques, using only the finest materials available. The leather used in these products is carefully selected, and each piece is crafted with a level of detail that guarantees a flawless final product.

    Luxury in leather goods isn't just about appearance, but also about functionality. Luxury leather goods handbags, wallets, and other accessories are not only visually stunning but also designed to last a lifetime, with a quality that only expert artisans can deliver.

    The legacy of leatherwork in global culture

    Throughout the centuries, leatherwork has been a fundamental part of many cultures, especially in the Mediterranean, North African, and Middle Eastern regions. In countries like Morocco, Italy, and Spain, the tradition of leatherworking has been passed down from generation to generation, and each region has developed its own styles and techniques that make its products unique.

    The influence of artisanal leatherwork extends far beyond its original borders, as today it is appreciated and valued throughout the world. The quality of the pieces and the skill of the artisans continue to be admired for their ability to transform leather into something more than just a material: they turn it into an expression of art and culture.

    Leather goods in contemporary fashion

    Today, leather goods play a crucial role in contemporary fashion, as designers around the world incorporate leather goods into their collections. Leather goods such as handbags, backpacks, and belts have become symbols of status and style. Leather goods are not only functional but also a means for designers to express their creativity.

    Furthermore, the focus on sustainability and quality has led many brands to opt for **handcrafted leather goods**, which not only represents an ethical choice but also an investment in timeless luxury pieces. **Luxury leather goods** and **leather crafts** are setting trends, and more and more consumers value well-made products that have a rich cultural and artisanal history behind them.

    Information and wholesale orders:

    E-mail: info@decorationalcazaba.com
    Phones: 697431100 / 958468377
    Website: www.decorationalcazaba.com

    Follow us on Social Networks

    Facebook - Instagram


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