Ceramics · Various regions

Functional Cooking Tagine

Unglazed or simply glazed terracotta tagine designed for actual cooking. The conical lid returns condensation to keep food moist.

History & Cultural Context

The tagine cooking pot is perhaps Morocco's most recognized culinary tool. Its design is ancient, optimized for slow-cooking with minimal water. Functional tagines are made from different clay than decorative ones and must be seasoned before first use.

Materials

Heat-resistant terracotta clayLocally sourced clay suitable for direct heat cooking

Production Techniques

Hand-throwingTraditional
Shaped on a potter's wheel from heat-resistant clay

Production Notes

Hand-thrown from heat-resistant clay. Left unglazed or lightly glazed on interior only. Must be cured by soaking in water before first use. Not suitable for direct high-flame gas stoves without a diffuser.

Quality Indicators

Authenticity

Unglazed or food-safe interior

Quality

Thick, even walls

Red Flags

Decorative painted exterior sold as cookware

Price Ranges

Budget30 – 80 MAD(~$3 – $8)

Small size, basic quality

Mid-range80 – 200 MAD(~$8 – $20)

Standard family size, good clay, even walls

Premium200 – 500 MAD(~$20 – $50)

Large size, premium clay, heavy construction