THE RIFIAN RESIDENCY
1-8 October 2026, Morocco
An immersion into the ancient hand-building traditions of the Rif Mountains,
led by Master Aïcha Tabbiz — the living archive of Rifian ceramics, in collaboration with Karina Smagulova.
With the generous support from Ard Artisans.
I. The Search for Voice
From my original visit to Taounate I returned with so many treasures in my bag—not obviously visible. I knew I had come back from a dream, only for it to have been a reality. But I didn’t expect that it would ignite such a fire within me. My struggle at the time, I remember, was that I couldn’t find my means of expression. The importance of such a tool had been installed in me from a very young age, as I come from a long lineage of classical musicians. The violin never felt right in the way that clay already did. I knew I had to find a material through which I could finally express myself.
But everything I made felt like someone else’s work; I was trying what had been done before in an attempt to refine my own technique and with the hope it would take me somewhere deeper within my own sphere of making. But that time felt like it was never coming, and I was growing increasingly frustrated by that fact. And so, in September of 2018, I traveled to Morocco to meet master Aicha, learn about the hand-building tradition of Rifian pottery, and explore the practice of a woman who has been working with clay for over five decades, and whose methods travel back through millennia.
Something about the encounter realigned everything I had absorbed throughout my life as references. It placed all the particles that formed my existence thus far in the right order and returned them (along with myself) back to London with a newfound ability to express myself through clay, and in a voice that felt deeply personal. I can’t pinpoint what about this trip connected the dots for me, although I have some speculations.
II. The Lineage of the Earth
Aicha has been working with the same type of clay—the Earth that supports her home, essentially—her whole life. She uses a method that has been passed down through generations, usually by the women in the family. It is a combination of coiling, pinching, and pulling the clay to create the desired forms. In retrospect, I have no doubt that what I observed first unconsciously was a woman who was connecting with her ancestors as much as with the Earth that holds her in the present moment; every bit of knowledge stored inside her body was manifesting through each movement of her hands whilst she worked with clay.
In that way, four pillars became part of a dialogue: the past, the present, the inner world, and the resulting vessel that extends the conversation into the future. As a result, somewhat unconsciously, I started moving towards the understanding that to truly find one’s own rhythm in clay, I would need to understand it as a continuous lineage and become part of that movement, instead of viewing my prospective work as a singular moment in time.
Ceramics are inherently intertwined through the wisdom of everyone who has learned and then taught others how to manipulate the Earth for it to become a vessel. Just as each piece in my practice does not exist without the one which preceded it, my practice as a whole does not exist without Master Aicha’s work, and all those who preceded us.
III. The Invitation
In reality, I can’t predict what this residency will unlock for you personally. However, I anticipate any or all of the following: a surrendering to the simplicity of the rhythm in the village that reminds us that another pace of life exists even as the fast movement of our cities is happening; a bridge of connection with the ancient wisdom that is locked in those mountains and their clay, with a lineage of craft that is as old as our existence. Or, it may be something entirely new that you will feel in your core a week, month, or years later.
Personally, for me, this is a return to a place where I felt magic that changed the trajectory of my ceramics practice in ways I didn’t anticipate were possible. I am thrilled to be sharing this time with you in this precious place of our Earth.
We are now fully booked. Join the waitlist to receive updates about potential openings and other upcoming residencies.
Intentions
⋄ Seven immersive days exploring the ancient pottery traditions of the Pre-Rif.
⋄ A shared journey where we walk together in the unfolding mystery of a new culture.
The structure of the week revolves around the pottery workshop.
The rest of the day is open and intends to be very relaxed and focused on enjoying our time with Aicha's family and
experiencing the stunning region and culture.
⋄ A truly unique experience of connection to ancient female pottery.
⋄ Connection with like-minded creatives from around the world
Master Artisan Aïcha Tabbiz — a living Archive of Rifian Pottery
Aicha is more than a practitioner; she is a living archive. Having worked with the same Earth that supports her home for over five decades, she remains one of the final custodians of a hand-building syntax that has traveled through millennia. Her practice is defined by a method passed down through generations of women—a complex dialogue of coiling, pinching, and pulling the clay to manifest form.
A master potter for fifty years, Aicha continues to uphold the traditional motifs and techniques of the Sless tribe while simultaneously giving free rein to her inner artist. Her work exists at the intersection of rigid heritage and fluid, personal expression.
A force of nature, Aicha’s life is inextricably linked to the vitality of her village. She is its midwife and its builder; when she is not at the wheel, she is often found delivering a new life or constructing a neighbor’s bread oven. Her love for the clay is mirrored by her devotion to her community—a radiant, humble, and vital presence whose mastery of craft is matched only by her mastery of life.
The Curriculum
Day I
ArrIval
Meeting point: Fes Airport
Shared drive to our house in the mountains in Taounate
House orientation
Welcome Dinner
Day II
The master potter will introduce attendants to the ancient techniques used by Rifian women potters for
millennia.
Sitting on the floor on a sheepskin, we will dedicate the first morning, to hand-build traditional Rifian pieces under the master's guidance.
We will learn how to model the clay with our hands, with the only help of two discs made of clay to enable the rotation.
Day III
On day three, we will create our unique
pieces, or continue practicing by building traditional forms.
Attendants will also polish the pieces created the previous day.
Once the modelling is finished and the entire surface of the pot has been smoothed with a wooden spatula we are ready to start the burnishing.
The burnishing is done by carefully rubbing the entire pot with a small
limestone boulder to hide any defect and to tighten the surface.
In addition to the traditional pieces we will create Women Vessels using the local clay.
Day IV
On day four, we will create our unique
pieces, or continue practicing by building traditional forms.
Attendants will also polish the pieces created the previous day.
Once the modelling is finished and the entire surface of the pot has been smoothed with a wooden spatula we are ready to start the burnishing.
The burnishing is done by carefully rubbing the entire pot with a small
limestone boulder to hide any defect and to tighten the surface.
In addition to the traditional pieces we will create Women Vessels using the local clay.
9.00 a.m: Breakfast
9:30-13.30: Workshop- handbuilding traditional rifian pieces
13.30: Lunch
Free time: local walks, work at the studio, visiting other artisans, collecting clay, manganese
20.00: Dinner
9.00 a.m: Breakfast
9:30-13.30: Workshop- handbuilding your own pieces
13.30: Lunch
16:00-19:00: Workshop- handbuilding Women Vessels
20.00: Dinner
9.00 a.m: Breakfast
9:30-13.30: Workshop- handbuilding your own pieces
13.30: Lunch
16:00-19:00: Workshop- handbuilding Women Vessels
20.00: Dinner
Day V
Attendants will apply coating to the pots with a soaked cloth preparing the surface of the pots to be decorated.
Our “brush” will be made from the tuft of hair from the back of a goat.
We will use natural pigments to decorate our pieces from mixing both minerals and water.
Day VI
Under the master potter's guidance, everyone’s creations will be carefully loaded into the traditional pit fire.
The firing process takes approximately twenty-four hours.
We will place our finished pottery on a bed of pine needles and wood, we will then cover it with the natural fuel needed to cook our pieces, “cakes” made of cow dung, straw and olive pits.
Day VII
We will depart to visit Ourtzagh’s country souk,held weekly, an opportunity to get in contact with local people as they go about their daily business.
We will Unload the pieces from the traditional pit fire once we get back home from the souk.
Day VIII
Departure
Breakfast
Shared Drive to Fes Airport
9.00 a.m: Breakfast
9:30-13.30: Workshop- polishing the pieces,, slip, decoration of the pieces
13.30: Lunch
Free time: local walks, work at the studio, visiting other artisans, collecting clay, manganese
20.00: Dinner
9.00 a.m: Breakfast
9:30-13.30: Workshop- preparing the fire pitch with pieces, firing the pieces.
13.30: Lunch
Free time: local walks, work at the studio, visiting other artisans, collecting clay, manganese
20.00: Dinner
9.00 a.m: Breakfast
9:30-13.30: Attend Ourtzagh local souk & Unload the pieces from the traditional pit fire
13.30: Lunch
Free time: packing, relax
20.00: Dinner
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The House
A traditional, humble yet comfortable home in the village will host all 8 participants.
There are four double en-suite bedrooms. If you are booking with a friend or a loved one please let us know so we can allocate a shared room for the two of you.
Our house is a beautiful example of traditional architecture perfectly adapted to the local environment.
Constructed primarily from adobe (a mixture of clay, water, and straw), this material is sun-dried and provides excellent thermal insulation.
Rifian Pottery
In Morocco's Rif region, generations of women have been the guardians of a remarkable tradition: crafting essential pottery.
Passed down through families, primarily from mothers to daughters, this skill was essential for self-sufficiency.
These were not simply decorative objects; they were the indispensable tools that kept households running smoothly. From simmering stews and storing precious grains to transporting life-giving water, this pottery served a multitude of purposes.
While primarily utilitarian, a significant portion of Rifian pottery incorporates geometric patterns, their specific meanings a subject of
ongoing exploration.
These patterns form a visual language that extends beyond function, adorning the pieces with local pigments derived from minerals or plant materials.
The application likely employs tools readily found in the potters' environment, such as hands, simple implements, or even rudimentary "brushes" fashioned from animal hair.
Rifian potters rely solely on a handful of simple tools to hand-build their creations, including a pottery knife, smooth stones for polishing,
and possibly a wooden mallet.
Traditionally fired using a time-tested method known as pit firing, crafted pots are carefully placed within a pit lined with insulating materials and fueled by readily available natural materials like wood shavings or animal dung.
The Experience: What's is included
This residency is designed as a return to our core. Balancing between diving deep into an ancient pottery tradition through Aicha's masterful guidance and the stillness of the Morrocan landscape. Your stay includes:
Sacred Space & Rest
Seven nights in a traditional Moroccan home nestled in the heart of the village.
Shared en-suite accommodations, designed for comfort and connection with a fellow traveler.
Unrivaled views of the surrounding landscape and a nightly theater of the Milky Way.
Creative Immersion
Daily workshops with Aicha: Trace the lineage of her decades-long practice. We will explore the soul of the clay, hand-build traditional forms, and decorate with earth minerals.
Two dedicated afternoon workshops focused on hand-building "Women Vessels" with Karina using the raw, local clay of the region.
Pit-Firing Ritual: We will conclude our time by firing our works in the earth, ready to journey home with you.
Earth Connection: Together, we will forage for manganese, connect with local artisans, visit the market to source inspiration.
Nourishment
Daily meals prepared by Samira: Every dish is a labor of love, using seasonal abundance and recipes passed down through generations.
Traditional Flavors: Expect handmade breads, aromatic couscous, and nourishing stews that reflect the true heart of Moroccan hospitality.
Connection & Flow
Artisan Visits: We will make space to connect with local craftspeople and find treasures to bring home.
Seamless Arrival: A shared group drive to and from Fes is included to ensure your journey to the village is peaceful.
Journeying to Us
We are located in Taounate, a very small rural village at the foothills of the Pre Rif Mountains, Morocco. This region, rich in cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, offers a peaceful escape away from the tourist crowds, where local artisans continue to practice ancient techniques in a calm, collaborative environment.
The path to the village is part of the transition from the busy world into our shared rhythm.
Flying to Fes
Fes is our primary gateway. Direct flights are available from major hubs like London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Madrid.
Alternative Routes
If a direct flight to Fes isn't available, flying into Rabat or Tangier is a beautiful alternative. From there, Morocco’s train system is reliable, safe, and a scenic way to see the country. Casablanca is also an option, followed by a short domestic flight or a comfortable train ride to Fes.
Extend Your Stay
We highly recommend arriving a day early or staying a day late to soak in the magic of the Fes Medina. Spending a night in a local Riad and visiting a traditional hammam is the perfect way to ground yourself before or after the residency.
We have a list of charming Riads in Fes that we love. Please get in touch and we’ll be happy to share them with you.
We are now fully booked. Join the waitlist to receive updates about potential openings and other upcoming residencies.
Reflections from previous participants through Ard Artisans:
Investment
£ 1450 per person
Limited to 8 participants to keep the experience intimate and focused.
A 50% non-refundable deposit is requested to secure your residency place. The remaining balance is due 60 days before arrival.
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References
Cerámica rifeña barro femenino, Matos Wagner, Maria Jose and Wagner Jorge
The Rif Pottery, Fundación Euroárabe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bHj7sOWXjg
La última alfareraMaría José Matos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcN0vr77kl0
Alfareras del Rif, Jesús Botaro
TERMS & CONDITIONS
The Experience & Materials
All clay, traditional tools, and raw materials will be provided. The residency is an immersion into the Rifian tradition; participants are encouraged to approach the work with a spirit of exploration and respect for ancestral methods.
Firing & Transport
Unlike industrial kiln firing, your works will be fired by Maalem Aicha in a traditional open pit fire—an ancient and atmospheric process. While every effort is made to ensure a successful firing, the inherent nature of pit firing involves thermal shock and unpredictability. The organizers take no responsibility for pieces that may crack, break, or yield unexpected results during the fire. Furthermore, participants are solely responsible for the safe packing and transport of their works back to their home destination.
Cancellation Policy
To support the rhythm of the village and honor the significant logistical planning involved in a remote residency, all bookings are strictly non-refundable. Dates are fixed and non-transferable. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive "Cancel For Any Reason" (CFAR) travel insurance to protect your investment.
Accommodation & Board
As part of this residency, shared or private accommodation and specified meals are provided. While we strive to ensure comfort and safety, participants acknowledge that the residency takes place in a rural, traditional village. The organizers act only as facilitators and are not liable for any injury, illness, or dissatisfaction arising from the accommodation, local food, or village environment.
Health & Safety
The terrain in the Rif Mountains can be uneven, and the physical nature of pottery requires a certain level of mobility. Participants must disclose any medical conditions, injuries, or severe allergies (particularly food allergies) prior to arrival. You participate at your own risk. The organizers are not responsible for medical emergencies or the costs associated with medical evacuation.
Travel, Visas & Entry Requirements
Participants are responsible for their own flights and for ensuring they meet all Moroccan entry requirements. This includes holding a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry and obtaining the necessary visa, if applicable. The organizers are not liable for any participant being denied entry into Morocco or for costs incurred due to travel delays.
Insurance
Personal Travel Insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover medical expenses, personal accident, and trip cancellation. Given the rural location, ensure your policy includes coverage for "Adventure" or "Craft" activities and emergency medical repatriation.
Residency Cancellation by Host
In the unlikely event that the residency is cancelled by the organizers due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances, participants will be issued a full refund of the residency fee. Please note that the organizers are not responsible for any external costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, travel insurance premiums, visa fees, or additional travel arrangements. This is why comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all attendees.
Media Release & Photography
By enrolling, you consent to being photographed or recorded during the residency for use in future archival or promotional materials. No compensation will be offered. Personal photography is encouraged; however, the use of professional filming equipment or drones is strictly prohibited without prior written approval.
Force Majeure
The organizers are not liable for cancellations or disruptions caused by events beyond their control, including but not limited to natural disasters, political instability, strikes, illness, or changes in Moroccan travel regulations.
Liability Waiver
By participating, you agree to release Karina Smagulova, Master Aicha, Art Artisans and any local facilitators from any liability for personal injury, loss of property, or damage incurred during the residency, including transit to and from the village.
Code of Conduct
A shared atmosphere of calm, curiosity, and deep respect for the local community and its traditions is essential. The organizers reserve the right to ask a participant to leave—without refund—should their behavior be deemed disrespectful to the local culture, the Maalem, or fellow attendees.
Acceptance of Terms
By enrolling in the Rifian Residency and submitting your payment, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions in their entirety.