2019 Moroccan Brass

Moroccan Brass leverages the traditional techniques and skills of artisanal metalworkers to envision new, modern lamp forms

The Marrakech Center for Training and Qualification in Crafts (CFQMAM) is an educational and vocational training center, where students learn and develop traditional Moroccan craft-based skills. In November, 2019, MFA students and faculty traveled to work onsite with CFQMAM personnel in Marrakech. During a tour of the facility, we met master craftsmen and craftswomen, who were teaching students to work with leather, fabric, plaster, clay, wood and metal. Next, we received an in-depth demonstration of the techniques used to hammer, peen, punch, drill and solder sheets of raw brass into the region’s famously intricate, ornate and exquisitely crafted lamps.

With support from a pair of local designers, each workshop participant developed a unique design proposal. Next, with help from CFQMAM’s team of apprentices and masters, we then proceeded to fabricate our lamps. We cut the brass sheets to size, and then, using custom templates we drew ourselves, we cut, drilled and punched pieces of metal into figure-ground, two-dimensional lamp parts. Next, we assisted and observed, as skilled craftsmen joined the flat pieces, soldered the edges—and in some cases—hammered the brass sheets to form curved surfaces and joints. Next, we chose from a range of patina finishes and then protected the brass surface with a wax coating. The final step was to insert a lightbulb, connect the power, and admire the effect.