Moroccan Ablution Bowl (Qdah)

This ablution bowl was handmade by women of the Amazigh Sless tribe of the Rif mountains in northern Morocco.

This domestic use pot with its decorative motifs is charateristic of the region's. The clay "tadoqa", famous for its oily quality that makes for strong objects, is fetched from kilometers away. It is hand shaped and covered in a white clay engobe which it gives it its glossiness and ruddy color. 
Inspired by islamic architecture, the arch shaped decorations are evocative of the Meharb, an arcade shaped niche in the walls of a mosque. The blakc color "kahala" is obtained by rubbing a stone in water. 

Part of our Heirloom collection.