01 ARTISAN


 

Let's Meet

The Artisans

artisans.png
 
 

A SACRED CRAFT ENTWINED IN TRADITION.

Hands, hearts and minds collaborate in the Artisan Project. Our ethos is to honor Moroccan artisanship, improve the lives of craftspeople and their families and ensure hand-weaving skills continue to thrive. 

For Morocco’s artisans, hand-weaving is sacred. Every textile has a life cycle that’s deeply connected to the land. Wool is ‘baraka’ a divine blessing - sheered in the spring, then washed, combed, and carded, before being spun.

A ritual is performed for every rug that’s made. Right before the very first knot is tied and when a finished piece is removed from the loom. 



 
 
 

We work hand-in-hand with fourth-generation weavers to make our beach towels, blankets, and throws in ancient Fez medina and Tangier. We also partner with a number of women’s weaving cooperatives in the Middle Atlas and Northern Morocco who make our bespoke blankets and selected hand-knotted rugs, on vertical looms.

We work with Amazigh women to produce our fine wool rugs. From knotting and weaving to cleaning and finishing, they oversee every part of the process and reinterpret our designs using age-old techniques. 

AP aims to change perceptions of the once nomadic people of Morocco. Known to most as Berbers, their true name is ‘Amazigh’ meaning ‘free humans’. Amazigh culture comes with a rich textile history, that’s deeply-rooted in nature and the landscape.

 
artisans-2.png
 
 

02 NINA


 
 

Let's Meet Creative Director/Founder

Nina Mohammad

 
 
 

A JOURNEY TO THE SOURCE OF EXPRESSION.

I’m Nina Mohammad, Creative Director of Artisan Project, the collective company I founded when I moved from LA to Fez - Morocco’s ancient city - over 12 years ago.

I find limitless sources of inspiration here, that feeds every AP design, from a weaving technique to a sacred motif. I’ve always designed through my instinct and I keep working this way.

I fell in love with Morocco. Now I’m interwoven in the lives of those I collaborate with. Learning from the craftspeople I encounter, I exchange and share skills and knowledge, and partner with global brands and creative companies who travel here to work with us directly. That’s the essence of AP.

nina.png
 
nina-2.png
 

Raised in San Francisco, by Palestinian parents, my passion for textiles began in childhood. I watched my mother embroider clothing for her family, always with so much care.

Every piece our artisans create is made by hand with the greatest dedication and love. I hope that wherever my textiles find a home, across the world, they bring an emotional connection and narrative.

I’d like to send a heartfelt thanks to our weavers, for staying so committed to continuing their craft. We couldn’t be without you. And to our clients around the globe. For believing in us and in the authenticity of the hand-weaving tradition and its sacred roots.

Gratefully,

Nina.