Ceramics · Tamegroute, Draa Valley

Tamegroute Pottery

Rustic green-glazed pottery from the oasis village of Tamegroute. The distinctive olive and emerald glaze is produced using manganese and copper from local mines.

History & Cultural Context

Tamegroute pottery dates back centuries to the Zaouia Naciria, a religious brotherhood whose potters developed the distinctive green glaze. The village remains the only source of this specific glaze. Each piece is hand-thrown and kiln-fired, making every item unique.

Materials

Local clayRiver clay sourced from the Draa Valley
Green glaze (manganese + copper)Signature glaze made from locally mined minerals

Production Techniques

Hand-throwing on kick wheelTraditional
Clay shaped on a foot-powered wheel, no electric motor
Wood-fired kilnTraditional
Fired in traditional kilns fueled by palm wood and other local materials

Production Notes

Clay is locally sourced and hand-thrown on kick wheels. The signature green glaze comes from a mix of manganese, copper oxide, and silica. Fired in wood-burning kilns at approximately 1000°C.

Quality Indicators

Authenticity

Uneven glaze with natural variationVisible throwing marks on base

Red Flags

Uniform factory-green glaze

Price Ranges

Budget30 – 100 MAD(~$3 – $10)

Small cups, bowls, candle holders

Mid-range100 – 350 MAD(~$10 – $35)

Medium bowls, plates, vases

Premium350 – 800 MAD(~$35 – $80)

Large platters, statement vases, sets

Luxury800 – 2000 MAD(~$80 – $200)

Oversized urns, complete dinner sets