Interview with a seventy-eight-year-old tapestry maker
Question 1: How was the city of Meknes when you were young?
Answer: My youth coincided with the period of the French protectorate. At this time, a new city had been created on a land known as “hamria,” and which was intended initially for agriculture. The main reason for this new part of town, was to separate the natives from the Europeans. A border was even set up on the bridge which allowed crossing the river “Boufekrane” in order to prevent anyone visiting the new city for any other reason except work. A pass had even been instituted to check people.
Question 2: How old were you, and when did you begin to work?
Answer: I was minor, but I had a sense of responsibility. These days, the age was measured by the number of years we had lived, but also with the showed maturity and the way you proved yourself.
Question 3: Have you always worked as a tapestry maker?
Answer: Yes I have. But in the beginning, I worked as a simple apprentice and for many years I learned on-the-job. After this I benefited from a vocational training in France. That was an interesting experience, but in spite of the insistence of my trainers who liked keeping me among their staff, I preferred coming back to my home country. In fact, the atmosphere was somewhat spoiled with discriminatory behaviors.
Question 4: How was the tapestry profession organized?
Answer: Then, this profession was strictly in the hands of the French people and at this time, orders were numerous, (new houses were built for soldiers and civilian experts working in many fields), and various (classic, Louis XV & XVI, contemporary & rustic styles). In short, I’ve learned rigorously how to accomplish perfect work.
Question 5: How is this profession is looking now?
Answer: Nowadays, competition is hard. The industry makes tapestry affordable for a large part of the population and a large number of people act as tapestry makers with just a little training. The orders involve Moroccan styles, which are influenced by modern styles.
Answer: My youth coincided with the period of the French protectorate. At this time, a new city had been created on a land known as “hamria,” and which was intended initially for agriculture. The main reason for this new part of town, was to separate the natives from the Europeans. A border was even set up on the bridge which allowed crossing the river “Boufekrane” in order to prevent anyone visiting the new city for any other reason except work. A pass had even been instituted to check people.
Question 2: How old were you, and when did you begin to work?
Answer: I was minor, but I had a sense of responsibility. These days, the age was measured by the number of years we had lived, but also with the showed maturity and the way you proved yourself.
Question 3: Have you always worked as a tapestry maker?
Answer: Yes I have. But in the beginning, I worked as a simple apprentice and for many years I learned on-the-job. After this I benefited from a vocational training in France. That was an interesting experience, but in spite of the insistence of my trainers who liked keeping me among their staff, I preferred coming back to my home country. In fact, the atmosphere was somewhat spoiled with discriminatory behaviors.
Question 4: How was the tapestry profession organized?
Answer: Then, this profession was strictly in the hands of the French people and at this time, orders were numerous, (new houses were built for soldiers and civilian experts working in many fields), and various (classic, Louis XV & XVI, contemporary & rustic styles). In short, I’ve learned rigorously how to accomplish perfect work.
Question 5: How is this profession is looking now?
Answer: Nowadays, competition is hard. The industry makes tapestry affordable for a large part of the population and a large number of people act as tapestry makers with just a little training. The orders involve Moroccan styles, which are influenced by modern styles.