Description
Overview
A large hand bellows (rabouz), the traditional Moroccan fire blower used for braziers and hearths, in shaped wood, pleated leather and brass tacks. It is very likely from the craft workshops of Fes or Marrakech and likely dates to the late 20th century. From the Craft World Tours Collection; consistent with the 2001 tour “Morocco: medinas, souks & markets,” which visited the brass and copperworkers and woodworkers of the Fes souks and spent a full day in the souks of Marrakech.
Design & Craftsmanship
- Function & Form: 33 1/2″ long overall and 13″ at its widest. Two shaped wooden boards are joined by a pleated tan leather gusset, with a leather strap on the back for hanging or gripping. The long wooden nozzle tapers to a blue-painted tip.
- Artistry & Ornamentation: The front board is painted blue and covered in brass dome-head tacks. A large rosette sits inside a scalloped central medallion, with a smaller rosette near the nozzle and a long cartouche at the top, framed by fine pale diamond and chevron patterning. The neck is bound in dark leather with a blue sawtooth-cut edge.
- Structural Base: The back board is plain blue, edged with brass tacks. Unsigned.
Condition Report
- Surface Condition: Wear and rubbing to the blue paint, especially on the back board and the edges. Some tacks are dulled or darkened, with general age-consistent patina to the leather.
- Structural Integrity: The boards and gusset appear intact. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Craft World Tours Collection.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.