DRAZ: The Traditional Moroccan Hand-Weaving Craft Facing Modern Challenges
DRAZ is a time-honored traditional craft practiced in Morocco for decades. This artisanal technique involves creating fabrics entirely by hand using a specialized tool called a “MERRAMA.” The merrama is a traditional hand loom used to weave various types of fabric. The diversity of fabrics produced through DRAZ depends largely on the type of yarn, the weaving technique applied, and the intricate patterns crafted by skilled artisans.
Common fabrics made through DRAZ include those woven from cotton, linen, and silk, which are often fashioned into garments such as scarves and djellabas. Additionally, wool is widely used to create household items like rugs, cushions, and blankets. The motifs woven into these fabrics frequently carry deep Berber cultural meanings, enriching the craft with a significant cultural and symbolic dimension.
Despite its rich cultural value and artistic beauty, the DRAZ craft is currently under threat. The rise of modern technology and industrial textile production has made the manufacture of clothing and carpets much faster and cheaper. In contrast, traditional hand-weaving requires a tremendous investment of time and physical effort. For example, to produce just two meters of fabric, a skilled craftsman may spend between eight and ten hours working on the weaving machine. This labor-intensive process makes it difficult for DRAZ artisans to compete in today’s fast-paced and automated marketplace.
While DRAZ continues to symbolize the cultural richness and craftsmanship of Morocco, the trade now faces significant challenges. Preserving this unique hand-weaving tradition is essential to maintaining Morocco’s cultural heritage in the face of rapid modernization and industrialization.
