Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage through Morocco’s Heritage celebrates Morocco’s unique artistic and historical identity, forming the centrepiece of the 2024 Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture. By bringing together collections from Morocco and Qatar, this exhibition offers a journey, or rihla, through this fascinating country. It inspires visitors to appreciate the beauty and complexity of Morocco’s Islamic cultural and artistic legacy.
Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage Through Morocco’s Heritage
Past Exhibition
An investigation of the multifaceted heritage of Islamic Morocco, revealing the forces that have shaped its unique identity to the present day
Exhibition Highlights
Last juz’ (section) of a 30-volume Qur’an manuscript. Copied and illuminated by Ahmad ibn ‘Ali ibn Abi Ibrahim. Morocco, possibly Marrakech. Saadian period, 1063 AH (1653 CE). Ink, opaque watercolour and gold on paper. Photo: © Qatar Museums, Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar, MS.11.1999
Necklace (labba). Morocco, Rabat, Fez or Meknes. Alawite period, 18th-19th century. Gem-set enamelled gold with diamonds, rubies, sapphires. Photo: © Qatar Museums, Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar, JE.3.1997
Necklace of the Aït Morghad, Aït Hdidou or Aït ‘Atta. Morocco, High Atlas, Draa Tafilelt or Lower Ziz Vallery. ‘Alawite period, 20th century. Carved amber. 55 x 14.5 cm, 48.5 x 21 cm, and 31 x 15 cm. Photo: © Qatar Museums, General Collection, PJM.ET.1309
Ceiling (izar). Morocco, possibly Meknes or Essaouira. ‘Alawite period, 19th century. Painted wood .309 x 307 cm. Photo: © Qatar Museums, Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, QM.2017.0368
Necklace (sansalt). Morocco, Western Anti-Atlas. ‘Alawite period, 20th century. Nielloed silver with coral, amazonite and amber beads. 33 x 26 cm. Photo: © Qatar Museums, General Collection, , Doha, Qatar, PJM.ET.1301
The exhibition also features a selection of contemporary photographs and artworks by Bruno Barbey, Irving Penn, Lalla Essaydi, Mous Lamrabat and Mounir Raji that capture aspects of the Moroccan landscape and everyday life.
Presented as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture
Story
Moroccan Mastery: Craftsmanship and Heritage
Dr Mounia Chekhab Abudaya, curator of Splendours of the Atlas, invites you to delve into the vibrant stories of Morocco’s cultural heritage.
Exhibition Catalogue
Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage through Morocco’s Heritage Catalogue
A stunning book that captures Morocco's history, art and traditions through rare artefacts, intricate crafts and vivid photography.