The Artisans Behind Morocco's Zellige Tiles and East Africa's Shea Butter

🏰Zellige tiles are handcrafted in Morocco, using clay bars that are molded and chiseled into intricate designs.

💆East African shea butter is made from nyao shea nuts, which have a lower melting point and are more absorbent on the skin compared to West African shea butter.

🤲Producing zellige tiles and shea butter requires intensive manual labor and expertise, with artisans spending years perfecting their craft.

💰The price of zellige tiles is determined by factors such as complexity, size, and shape, while East African shea butter is more expensive due to its labor-intensive production process.

🌍Zellige tiles and East African shea butter are in demand globally, with zellige tiles gaining popularity in the US and East African shea butter used in cosmetics.

What are zellige tiles made of?

—Zellige tiles are made of clay mixed with water, which is then chiseled and transformed into intricate designs.

What makes East African shea butter different from West African shea butter?

—East African shea butter is made from nyao shea nuts, which have a lower melting point and are more absorbent on the skin compared to West African shea butter.

Why are zellige tiles more expensive than ceramic tiles?

—Zellige tiles are handcrafted and require intensive manual labor, with each tile being unique. The complexity of the designs and the skill of the artisans contribute to their higher price.

What is the price range for East African shea butter?

—The price of East African shea butter can vary, but it can cost over $50 per kilo, depending on factors such as the processing method and the purity of the butter.

Where are zellige tiles and East African shea butter in demand?

—Zellige tiles are popular in Morocco and gaining popularity in the US, while East African shea butter is used in cosmetics globally.

00:02In Tunisia, zellige tiles are made by molding and chiseling clay bars into intricate designs.

11:47East African shea butter is produced by pounding and grinding nyao shea nuts.

14:00Producing shea butter involves manual labor and tedious processes, resulting in an expensive product.

17:25East African shea butter can cost over $50 per kilo, making it a luxurious and sought-after item.

16:31Demand for zellige tiles is growing globally, with artisans in Morocco and East Africa trying to meet the increasing demand.

10:51Both zellige tiles and East African shea butter require years of expertise and intricate craftsmanship.

15:17The labor-intensive process of making shea butter results in a higher price, especially for cold-pressed East African shea butter.

07:49Zellige tiles are known for their unique and intricate designs, making them a symbol of Moroccan architecture.