I recorded a bit of the work of a Moroccan woodturner. It's interesting because they work with hand-turned bow lathes and use very curious technique which relies on the foot nimbleness. Seems their craft was preserved nearly unchanged since the ancient times, probably as far as the antique period, when these artisans were probably common sight across the Mediterranean countries.
People doing this can be found across the medinas (old towns) of Morocco, but predominantly in Marrakesh, were nowadays their trade is mostly tourist attraction and they earn their living selling souvenirs. Nonetheless it's an interesting craft and technique which should be preserved as part of the cultural heritage of the humanity.
Also I observed other non-touristic places, crafts and activities in the country, which I think should be brought to the public attention, too.
Woodturning with Moroccan bow lathe. Note how the chisel is supported with the toes.
Woodturning with Moroccan bow lathe. Drilling hole for neck string.
Woodturning with Moroccan bow lathe
Woodturning with Moroccan bow lathe. Polishing the souvenir with a handful of wood flakes.
Woodturning with Moroccan bow lathe
Woodturning with Moroccan bow lathe
Woodturning with Moroccan bow lathe. Polishing the souvenir with a handful of wood flakes.
The final product of the woodturning with Moroccan bow lathe
The final product of the woodturning with Moroccan bow lathe
While walking around in Bulgaria, I spotted this typical for the country fish trap, called locally "blind basket" (сляп кош, слеп кош). They look like the eel traps and are made in similar manner but are not so elongated and are flattened. Many years ago I've been thought how to wove them as part of my family tradition and in some of the next videos I'll show how it is done. In general I am fascinated with the this type of traditional crafts and primitive technologies and I'd like to see everyone of us sharing the knowledge.
The reason to visit again Bulgaria is, because the NHS traumatology didn't have free slot until the end of October and because my injured foot was not deemed life-threatening I couldn't get emergency treatment. So after 3 months waiting, the situation started getting worse and I was barely able to walk and I went in Bulgaria, where I got something called "free check", which basically means paid service for people who doesn't live in the country and are not insured in any way. The whole thing lasted less then an hour, and cost me the grand total of £20, which includes x-ray, couple of control checks and scheduled up to 5 shock-wave or whatever are called procedures and after 3 days I could walk again and the pain in greatly diminished. So if anybody has issues with the health, don't wait and run to some other country, I can confirm that the quality of the health care in East Europe and the Mediterranean countries like Spain is much higher.
Bulgarian fish trap, called locally "blind basket" (сляп кош, слеп кош)
Bulgarian fish trap, called locally "blind basket" (сляп кош, слеп кош)
Bulgarian fish trap, called locally "blind basket" (сляп кош, слеп кош)
Bulgarian fish trap, called locally "blind basket" (сляп кош, слеп кош)
Bulgarian fish trap, called locally "blind basket" (сляп кош, слеп кош)
