Brass · Fes, Marrakech
Brass Door Knocker (Heurtoir)
Decorative hand-shaped door knockers featuring the Hand of Fatima (khamsa) or geometric designs. Traditional riad architectural element.
History & Cultural Context
The heurtoir is a defining feature of Moroccan doors, especially in Fes and Marrakech riads. The Hand of Fatima design serves as protection against the evil eye. Pairs of knockers on a single door traditionally differentiated male and female visitors by sound.
Materials
- Brass (cast)Solid brass, sand-cast or lost-wax cast
Production Techniques
- Sand castingTraditional
Molten brass poured into sand molds shaped from a master pattern
- Lost-wax castingTraditional
Wax model is encased in plaster, melted out, and replaced with molten brass
Production Notes
Sand-cast or lost-wax cast in brass, then hand-filed, polished, and sometimes patinated. Production: 1–3 days per piece.
Quality Indicators
Authenticity
Quality
Red Flags
Price Ranges
Small, simple designs, lighter weight
Standard size, detailed khamsa or geometric design
Large statement pieces, heavy solid brass