Natural Fiber Doum

immersion

In the northern mountains of Morocco, particularly in the Rif region, the doum palm, Hyphaene thebaica, has been a vital resource for centuries.

Its fronds are woven into baskets, mats, hats, ropes, and countless other objects that are both functional and beautiful.

This craft, deeply rooted in Berber communities, has long been passed down through generations. Once primarily a male-dominated practice, it is today also sustained by women artisans, who create pieces that connect everyday life with ancestral knowledge.

The doum palm thrives in the arid climate of the Rif, making it a vital resource for rural communities.

Artisans handpick flexible fronds and fibers, along with rushes, then weave them patiently into objects that serve domestic and agricultural needs. Each creation reflects not only skill and utility but also the intimate relationship between people and their environment.

Like many traditional crafts, doum weaving now faces challenges, synthetic substitutes, shifting lifestyles, and a waning interest among younger generations. Yet, there is a growing movement to support and revitalize this heritage, ensuring that the practice endures as both a cultural legacy and a source of livelihood.