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Travelling to Morocco
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Posted by: quadrastreet Post Reply
12/20/2007, 14:45:11

I'm going to be in Southern Spain for a month in September 2008, and was thinking I'd do a week in Morocco.

Do you have any suggestions on finding trade beads to buy in Morocco? What cities or towns should I visit?



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Re: Travelling to Morocco
Re: Travelling to Morocco -- quadrastreet Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: red Post Reply
12/21/2007, 00:57:12

Hi,

I will try to offer as much help as possible!

From Spain you can get a boat from Algeceras, either to Ceuta, A Spanish enclave ( cross into Africa around 3 miles from the boat.)or to Tangier. If you wish to search for beads A car will be a great help. . .You will need a green card for insurance and also all registration documents as you will need to import the car and then export it when you leave ( Not so difficult as it sounds, someone will help you at the border for around 30 dihrams if you ask. They will say it is nt enough ...but it is!) Customs in Tangier are quicker than the ceuta boys! The crossing however is longer and the boats are older with fewer facilities.

If you are flying then head to Marrakech. You can get trains busses and hire cars here.

It is possible to buy beads of all persuasions in the souk. They will generally not be a great price...but sometimes the odd bargain does emerge. The shops which line the street to the Museums are often well stocked, but the prices are high. If you would like to buy some New Moroccan made metal beads, Go to the Mellah ( Jewish market in Marrakech) There is a tassle stall here ( Belkam Artisanant ) the guy here (( Mohammed ) loves Manchester United!) has a hand in all of the stalls along the right hand side of the street here. If you ask for him, He will take you to the bead stall 3 shops along, Tell him that Sarah ( red hair!) and Jon advised you to see him for some beads, He will help you( in French) to speak to the Arabic speaking bead vendor, and also stop the prices from getting into touristy realms.
Some of The souk sellers buy their necklaces from here so it is a small wholesalers...keep this in mind re price!! There will be strands of newer beads on offer, but generally noting old.

Also there is a bead seller in Kissariat ousta Semarine no 89 inside the souk. Choose a boy of around 10 - 12 ask him to show you the place for a tip. Then thank him pay him and say goodbye at the end of the street. Any one who stays with you while you shop adds a 10 to 60 % levy to your price which they will go back to the shop later to collect! You can ask for directions to the square as you leave, people will just point the way!
The beads here are often a little more interesting, there are also older jewellery pieces and elements.....again you can give my name for a possible look inside the treasure box! It usually takes a few visits to build up to the goods which are not on show....I am not sure why!!
The stuff in the glass bowl in the window is either Indian, Chinese and or aged by stealth!! The vendor here and his father offer an instant aging service....decline !!! It is dirty varnish of some kind, which is used to dip most anything to call it antique!


For older beads You need to go futher south to Tarroudant and Tiznit, and the small places in between. It really is a treasure hunt! Uwe will be able to offer better advice as to where to buy venetian milli beads by the strand.

I have picked up strands of beads all over the south of Morocco, but generally here and there rather than en masse.

If you have any other questions please feel free to e mail me. I am leaving to go to Morocco on Boxing day, and will be away for 3 weeks, But will occasionally log in to say hi in internet cafes.

I would alway reccommend a trip to Morocco it is a warm and wonderful place.
Happy travels
Sarah


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Re: Travelling to Morocco
Re: Re: Travelling to Morocco -- red Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: quadrastreet Post Reply
12/21/2007, 14:59:23

Sarah - Thank you for all the information. I have been in touch with Uwe also (I have been buying his eBay beads for a while), and he has told me about Tiznit.

I'm not worried about getting duped with Indian or Chinese beads, as I've been collecting Venetian beads for the last 7 years. I'm not an expert, but I'm confident enough to spot the real thing.

I think we'll try to go to by train to Marakesh for 2 days or so, and then head down to Tiznit by bus. Uwe may be able to join me, which is very exciting.

Perhaps in a few years, I'll get to Ghana for further bead collecting. I have a cousin who travels there quite often.

Thanks - Steve.



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Re: Travelling to Morocco
Re: Re: Travelling to Morocco -- quadrastreet Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: red Post Reply
12/22/2007, 01:58:22

Hi Steve
There is an overnight train from Tangier to Marrakech. It is a great experience!
The busses can be hot but are a great way to see daily hussle and bustle.
You can also get some beautiful Tuareg pieces, There is a lot of production of the 'silver' and enamelled pieces in and around Tarroudant. The traditional souss style is stunning.

You may also find traditional 'amber' beads.

If Uwe is able to meet you, I am sure that you will have a fruitful trip.

Warm wishes
Sarah

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Modified by red at Sat, Dec 22, 2007, 01:59:01

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Happy Venetian Christmas......
Re: Re: Travelling to Morocco -- red Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: uwe Post Reply
12/22/2007, 07:41:40

I have to work on Christmas, so here are my best wishes to you all...

I would be glad to meet Steve and Kathy next September in Morocco. If all works well, we can meet in Marrakech, where I want to visit another trader and then make the trip to Tiznit together.

By the way, Sarah, have you been to Tiznit during the last weeks...?!

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Re: Happy Venetian Christmas......
Re: Happy Venetian Christmas...... -- uwe Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: red Post Reply
12/22/2007, 14:09:53

Hi Uwe,
I am heading to Morocco in 4 days we leave the UK to start the drive!
Is there news of Tiznit?
Wishing you a wonderful festive time.
I shall try to drop you a line from the Maghreb!!

Sx



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Re: Trade Beads In Morocco
Re: Travelling to Morocco -- quadrastreet Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Beadman Post Reply
12/21/2007, 02:14:24

Hi Quad,

No doubt you can find some trade beads almost anywhere in Africa, though they continue to become more and more scarce. However, Morocco is not really a place where you should expect to find many, and few bargains. The "home" of trade beads is West Africa, particularly Ghana and environs.

In Morocco, I would spend my time searching for locally made beads and traditional beads/jewelry of North Africa—their fabulous enameled silver, coral, amber (admittedly imported, though they probably think of most of this as "theirs"), and also unique beads such as carved wood, scented paste beads and the like, and beadwork. There are also new local beadmaking industries, some of which make unique or unusual products.

Be on guard for the ubiquitous newly imported beads from India and China, that are neither trade beads nor traditional elements.

Have a great time.

Jamey



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Re: Jealous !!!
Re: Travelling to Morocco -- quadrastreet Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Jeff Post Reply
12/22/2007, 05:59:15

Hi Steve, Sounds like an incredible trip!! Good luck with the bead hunt! I'll bet we ALL wish we were with you!! (take plenty of pictures for us!!)
Best, Jeff



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Re: Travelling to Morocco
Re: Travelling to Morocco -- quadrastreet Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Kira66 Post Reply
12/22/2007, 16:16:39

Hi! My name is Amina and I want to learn about beads in Morocco.



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Merry Christmas Kirk
Re: Re: Travelling to Morocco -- Kira66 Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: David Post Reply
12/22/2007, 16:21:50



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Re: Merry Christmas
Re: Merry Christmas Kirk -- David Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Kira66 Post Reply
12/22/2007, 16:26:47

HEY!



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Re: Merry Christmas amina
Re: Merry Christmas Kirk -- David Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: Kira66 Post Reply
12/23/2007, 20:21:38

HELLOOOOOOOOOOO?



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