Maison de Poterie

“Ask for a free local tour of the pottery making process. 3 phases; preparation of the clay, making the pottery & glazing and finally baking. Special is the copper green, the potteries are also very light in weight compared to others. A price list is provided and prices are reasonable. For bigger pieces ask for a discount, 10-20% is normal. Because they do not have electricity, examine your favourite pieces outside and if necessary ask them to wash it.”

“We came to look for some pottery. Immediately a very directive man showed up to show us around. We saw loads of children working in tough conditions. These kids were all also begging us for money. The whole thing made us deeply uncomfortable. Please don’t support child labor and find elsewhere to buy your pottery.”

“Maison de Poterie is a worthy stop whether in you are en route to the desert or any other activity to brings you to the Zagora/Tamegroute area. The store is a local cooperative of several families, offers fixed prices and a tour of the artisanal pottery making process. The pottery itself is made from local red clay, really local actually, from the river bed across the street or even right out back. On the tour you'll witness a demonstration of potter being made on the wheel, dried and then fired in mud kilns where palm leaves are still used as fuel. The traditional green glaze is typical of Tamegroute and the Draa Valley but is widely known in Morocco and can be seen decorating tiles in high end houses and mosques as far away as Casablanca. The store does offer a variety pottery in traditional green or a wide variety other non-traditional colors if that catches your eye instead. Cups, mugs, tagines, plates area all in wide abundance here. The shop owners pack the potter well so feel free to take as much as your baggage will allow during your next trek through the desert!”

“The man who invited us in was quite aggressive and made us feel very uncomfortable. This was strengthened by the blatant child labour that we saw on our forced tour. Don’t go here”

“Nice and unique ceramics but rude seller. Don't expect nice service unless you are young blond girl.”

“Nice potteries made of local clay.”