Discovering Femme Libre
One of the most enchanting things about the Marrakech Medina is the element of discovery. With a seemingly endless maze of souks and alleyways you can have the most unexpected and beautiful encounters!
One afternoon during my solo trip in February 2022 I was walking down one of the main thoroughfares I frequented most days. This street consists of the more upmarket stores, often run by Europeans, selling
mainly jewellery and clothes. I tend to avoid these shops as it’s not really the experience I’m after – it’s not the true Moroccan souk experience!
On this walk, however, a tiny hole-in-the-wall shop caught my eye. It had a small display of hamsa bracelets in the doorway and as I had my “hamsa radar” on, I wandered over.
There were a couple of young Moroccan guys inside (you could only fit a few people in the entire store!) and they ushered excitedly for me to come in and have a look. I was a little hesitant as at first glance it looked like mainly new jewellery (and I was hunting for vintage treasures) but they seemed friendly and really, when in Morocco!
The left hand side of the small shop was all fairly stock standard silver jewellery – think Michael Hill vibes – but the right hand side….well, it definitely caught my eye!
A full wall of rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings, all obviously handmade, completely unique, and showcasing stunning Berber symbolism.
The owner, a young Moroccan called Said, was so proud to start showing me his creations, despite our language barrier. His English was very limited, and my Arabic consists of thank you! Cue technology.
With the help of Google translate he ran me through the different symbols and their meanings. Some offer protection from the evil eye, others fertility or strength. Woman used to have these symbols tattooed on their bodies – including their faces – however this is now becoming much less widespread, with henna a more common (and temporary) adornment.
As Said was guiding me through his collection I picked up one of the silver rings with an interesting geometrical motif. After some more Google translate, he revealed this was his own unique design, which had been influenced by the traditional Berber symbols. He had called her Femme Libre – Free Woman!
He must have seen my face light up!
Said went onto to Google multiple images of Moroccan women working – cooking, tending to the gardens and fields – “they’re always working!” he said. “Moroccan women must work too hard. They should be freed!”, he said, passionately pointing at the photos.
Well. Being on a pretty surreal solo adventure myself, as soon as he told me the name of the symbol I was hooked. It totally resonated with me and I knew I’d be leaving his shop with that ring.
We had a few more Google translate chats and I left his store feeling enriched and excited, with a new ring on my finger!
I headed off to Dunch at SoulFood, which is on the same street as Said’s store. While I was eating my chicken tajine I couldn’t stop thinking about that symbol. Could it work on a pendant as well?
On my way back from Dunch I paid Said another visit, asking if he could make a version on a chain. He made it on the spot for me! Of course, I bought that one too, but made myself leave before buying anymore…yet.
I knew immediately that I wanted to support him somehow. His shop had been closed for three months due to the border closures, but I gave myself the night to think about it. It’s SO easy to rush decisions in Morocco – everything is so bloody beautiful! But I also knew I’d be back to visit Said the following day.
And I was.
Even though jewellery wasn’t initially part of the Cactusilk plan, I was hooked. I was in Morocco on my own. I was living the Femme Libre dream! My family had not only lovingly supported my crazy travel plans, they had momentarily “freed” me from the responsibilities of home life so I could enrich my business. Said’s original design was basically my mascot!
Said now hand makes Femme Libre pendants and rings and, as far as I know, they are exclusively available through Cactusilk in Australia. Each one shaped by hand and 100% unique. They are rustic yet delicate, and each with her own personality – just like a woman!