🎬 EPISODE 7 : marqueterie en bois de thuya

🎬 EPISODE 7: Thuya wood marquetry

EPISODE 7. In the hands of Essaouira's master craftsmen, thuya wood is transformed into true works of art. Exceptional craftsmanship that makes Morocco famous throughout the world.

Moroccan craftsman carving a thuya wood table with Berber motifs, highlighting the precision and refinement of the craftsmanship.

📜 Thuya, a natural treasure of Morocco

Thuya wood (Tetraclinis articulata) is native to Morocco, particularly in the Essaouira region and the Middle Atlas.

  • Ancient times: Phoenicians and Romans used it for shipbuilding and luxury items.
  • 18th century: Essaouira rose as a key hub for woodwork under Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah.
  • 19th century: Thuya marquetry reached its peak, attracting foreign merchants.
  • Today: Essaouira’s artisans continue this legacy with refined inlay techniques.

📌 Like basketry, thuya craftsmanship is rooted in natural materials and sustainable values.

Thuya wood box decorated with mother-of-pearl and lemonwood inlays, illustrating the finesse of Moroccan marquetry.

📜 Iconic objects made from thuya wood

With its unique veins and density, thuya wood is perfect for premium handmade objects:

  • Carved and inlaid boxes for jewelry, cards, or incense.
  • Tables and furniture with natural polish and elegant finishes.
  • Pens and office sets for refined desk décor.
  • Jewelry and accessories with silver or copper accents.

📌 No two pieces are alike thanks to the natural knots and shades of thuya wood.

A Moroccan artisan carving thuya wood in his Essaouira workshop, highlighting the traditional expertise of Moroccan woodcraft.

📜 The delicate art of Moroccan marquetry

Thuya marquetry involves multiple demanding steps:

  • Wood selection based on harmonious grain patterns.
  • Long drying periods for structural integrity.
  • Hand carving with precise tools.
  • Inlay work using exotic woods like lemon or ebony.
  • Sanding and polishing for a smooth, glossy finish.

📌 Many pieces are engraved with Berber or Moorish-inspired motifs.

📜 Safeguarding thuya through sustainability

Thuya is a precious resource, but its future depends on responsible use:

⚠️ Overharvesting is putting pressure on forests near Essaouira and in the Middle Atlas.

🌱 Local reforestation programs support ecological balance and artisanal continuity.

🛒 Choosing handmade thuya pieces supports fair trade and eco-conscious craftsmanship.

Moroccan market in Essaouira with artisanal thuya wood creations on display, symbolizing Morocco’s rich craft tradition.

📜 Thuya wood in modern design trends

The fusion of tradition and modernity is giving thuya wood a new dimension:

📲 Online Medina brings these unique creations to international buyers while supporting local artisans.

🎨 Thuya is now used in contemporary design collaborations and luxury interiors.

🌍 From Paris to New York, Moroccan thuya wood is prized for its beauty and authenticity.

💡 Why choose thuya wood?

  • Ethical, natural and sustainable
  • Each object is handmade and one-of-a-kind
  • A heritage passed down through generations

Elegant pen handcrafted from thuya wood and gold metal, resting on a leather notebook. A fusion of Moroccan tradition and modern design.

🎯 A living Moroccan legacy

Thuya marquetry reflects the heart of Moroccan craftsmanship—timeless, precise, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Owning a thuya object means holding a piece of Essaouira’s soul, shaped by human hands and generations of heritage.

📌 In the next episode: discover how Arabic calligraphy elevates leather, metal, and wood across Morocco.


🌳 Intrigued by carved wood? Explore Online Medina and the world of Moroccan woodworkers.

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