I hope you're doing very well! Today I'm sharing with you a wonderful visit to the ‘Oudayas’ museum, located in the magnificent Oudayas castle in Rabat. The museum is housed in a 17th-century palace and is bursting with Moroccan cultural treasures.
Before showing you what's on display in the museum, let me show you a few photos illustrating traditional Moroccan architecture. The walls adorned with colourful zelliges, the carved wooden doors and elaborate ceilings, the central patio, surrounded by elegant arcades, really gave me the impression of being transported to another era when the royal family lived here almost 4 centuries ago, and I took the time to admire every corner before even starting my visit.
When I entered the jewellery room, I was immediately captivated by the beauty and refinement of the pieces on display.
Necklaces dazzling with precious stones, finely crafted silver bracelets and other objects... What's fascinating is that some of the jewellery has survived for millennia, dating back to prehistoric times !
And there are certain items of jewellery and craft tools whose origins date back to the Middle Ages and the late 19th century.
I then lingered in front of the display cases showing traditional Moroccan clothes and outfits of different types and from different regions of the country, worn by Moroccans at times dating back several centuries. As a history buff, I really enjoyed these exhibitions!
This is the traditional Moroccan Amazigh wedding dress.
The museum also houses an impressive collection of antique weapons. Finely decorated swords, powder guns and daggers adorned with engravings. This section of the museum gives me an insight into the defence of Moroccan lands and traditional ceremonies.
Male ornaments are made up of objects used by men in different regions, distinguished by unique artistic features. These objects include traditional weapons and their accessories, as well as other tools that reflect local culture and traditions. This type of ornament is characterised by meticulous design and the use of a variety of materials such as wood, metal and leather. Male ornaments are an important part of the cultural heritage and are used for special occasions and traditional festivities.
One of the most interesting areas was the one dedicated to the Hammam (traditional Moroccan public bath). Copper buckets, wooden objects and bath accessories took me back to a time when the Hammam was not only a place of purification, but also a social space, especially for women, because in those days women only had the public Hammam to meet. I imagined the women chatting happily while relaxing in the warmth of the bath.
Another corner of the museum that I really enjoyed was the one devoted to the personal objects of Moroccan wives. Carved wooden chests, where they stored their finery and clothes, wooden chairs and boxes were evidence of their daily lives. Each object reflected great attention to detail and a desire to preserve beauty and intimacy.
I was particularly moved by the variety of jewellery worn by the wives in different parts of the country! What was the bride like in Rabat, Fes, Tangiers and Marrakech and other cities ....
My visit to the Oudayas Museum gave me a better understanding of the soul of Morocco through its traditions and history. Each room transported me into a unique universe, revealing the richness of our heritage.
Thank you for accompanying me. I hope you enjoyed the photos I took. If you're ever in Rabat, I urge you to visit this museum - you won't be disappointed! See you soon for a new discovery!
Photos taken by my own phone (Samsung Galaxy A04s).
