Moroccan Symbolism and Art

Symbolism within Moroccan acsethics is not only abundant, but reflects cultural influences and evolution in many ways. These cultural influences and evolution can be seen through three specific styles of art: Islam, Amazigh, and contemporary/ modern Moroccan art. 

Islamic Art
            Islamic art is found all over Morocco and is based in Arab Islam. Common designs include geometric figures with even number of sides. Within Morocco, Islamic art takes the form of architecture, metal, miniature paintings, ceramics, and calligraphy. Three common elements include written calligraphy, geometrical patterns, and arabests. Islamic art is considered to be incredibly complex art. Islam, according to our definition, focuses on if the majority population or ruling class practices Islam, in which Morocco falls under this. Because the vast majority of Moroccans practice Islam, the geometric symbolism found all over the country reflect the influence of the religion (see images below). Such patterns are so abundant it is evident that Islam plays such a vital role in Moroccans’ daily lives. Furthermore, Islamic artisans kept many similar patterns throughout time, showing its lasting 
impact. 












Amazigh Art 
            This type of art can often be traced through lineage as it was passed down from the mothers, whom owned the symbols. This was also a woman’s form of expression. There are three key characteristics: very distinct symbols from Islamic art, they are often tied to earth or occupation, and there are three standard forms: clay, textiles, and jewelry (see image below). Within Amazigh art, it is considered utilitarian because the women typically wear and/ or use their art such as jewelry or tattoos. The symbols within Amazigh are incredibly distinct from Islamic art, even though the government has perpetually disregarded the Amazigh people. Throughout the medina in Fes, Amazigh symbols were prevalent depending on the store and person who owned it. These cultural influences reflect the Amazigh roots and the utilitarian values of the Moroccan culture as a whole. The evolution of Moroccan art now uses historical Amazigh symbols in modern art. This shows how throughout time, the Amazigh people have evolved, but still holds on to the historical roots. 


Contemporary Art
            Contemporary Moroccan art dates back to before French colonization. While the French were in Morocco, the French colonizers believed that their forms of art were more intellectual. So, the French created their own art schools and artisans disappeared. However, some tried to maintain traditional Moroccan art such as Mohammed Ben allal and Ahmed Ali Fadidi. Finally in the 1970s, there was a movement against French training and once again there was an increase in historical symbols used in contemporary art. At the museum, there were a plethora of paintings that had historical Amazigh/ Islamic symbols within their contemporary paintings. However, certain paintings still had many French influences as they were still trained by French schools, showing the French influence in Moroccan art. Moreover, art by women had evolved to included pictures of faces whereas before it did not. Arguably, this shows the evolution not only in Moroccan art, but also in Moroccan society as a whole and its progress towards women’s rights. In the museum in Casablanca, the man owned a very descriptive painting of a Frenchman literally washing the dark skin off of a Moroccan (see image below). This was also another example of how contemporary art can also take those influences and fight back against them. Overall, Moroccan contemporary art has an immense amount cultural influences that are also symbolic of its evolution. 




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