Doum is a small palm tree in North Africa. The fiber it produces is also called doum in Morocco. Halfa, the Arabic word, is also correct. The plant looks like esparto, which the Spanish use to produce similar products.
We can find this plant in countries all around the Mediterranean sea. Beyond these countries, the material is not very famous and is often confused with wicker, rattan, or cane.
I took the opposite picture in the Moroccan Atlas mountains near Marrakesh.
The perennial grass grows in clumps in arid areas.
Local people harvested the esparto leaves and then dried them according to the season and the weather.
Wild doum tree
From the Wild Plant to the Natural Braided Fiber
Green when picked, the palm leaves will turn yellow until they get a lovely golden tan hue.
Clumps of Doum grass on a drying rack and left in the sun (Essaouira)
The fiber is then twisted into rope or woven into long strips of raw esparto, used to make all kinds of basketry objects.
Natural organic material after transformation
From Raw Material to Finished Good
There are different techniques and materials in Morocco. They are made exclusively by hand, by both men and women, and passed down for generations. Mastering these techniques requires a relatively long learning period and a high degree of application to obtain a quality article. The esparto weaving is rather a male work.
It is where the imagination and know-how of our great craftsmen and craftswomen come into play. Beyond reproducing the traditional items of their grandparents, they create new products that will fit wonderfully into our contemporary interiors. While respecting their roots and age-old traditions.
How do I Care for my Woven Palm Fiber Article?
Color and Shape
Artisans sometimes make the items before the palm leaf is completely dry. As a result, it may be green in color.
To turn your hanging wall decors or other items made from esparto straw into a golden yellow that smells like summer, you can leave your woven item in the sun.
This organic plant fiber is malleable. Transport could deform the product because it has been subjected to pressure.
If your item has been twisted during transport and is still in the wrong shape, you can leave it on the ground for a few hours to regain its usual form.
If you want to shape it, you can spray it (spray, not wet) and help it take the condition you wish to with weights. For example, put wet cloths if the form is rather round (baskets or round pendant lights).
You can use the same technique if your basket, light fixture, or any other item has been improperly stored.
How to Clean Esparto doum Items
The palm fiber has a rough aspect; the raw material is resistant and solid.
This natural fiber tends to turn grey outside. It is better not to expose it directly to the weather but choose a covered place.
You can use a soft brush, water, and soap as routine cleaning. If you want to give it a second youth, you can use flaxseed oil applied with a brush.
I’ve been working with these products for four years and learned a few things about palm leaves basketry. I want to try the varnish to see if it can be left outside longer. If you also have your little “tips” to maintain this fiber, thank you for sharing them. I would be happy to try them.
Don’t forget that doum is a natural plant material that continues to “live.” The eco-friendly fiber smells like Summer and Vacations.
How to care for your “doum” article?
DOUM
Presentation, Advice, and How to Care
What is Doum?
Doum is a small palm tree in North Africa. The fiber it produces is also called doum in Morocco. Halfa, the Arabic word, is also correct. The plant looks like esparto, which the Spanish use to produce similar products.
We can find this plant in countries all around the Mediterranean sea. Beyond these countries, the material is not very famous and is often confused with wicker, rattan, or cane.
I took the opposite picture in the Moroccan Atlas mountains near Marrakesh.
The perennial grass grows in clumps in arid areas.
Local people harvested the esparto leaves and then dried them according to the season and the weather.
From the Wild Plant to the Natural Braided Fiber
Green when picked, the palm leaves will turn yellow until they get a lovely golden tan hue.
Clumps of Doum grass on a drying rack and left in the sun (Essaouira)
The fiber is then twisted into rope or woven into long strips of raw esparto, used to make all kinds of basketry objects.
Natural organic material after transformation
From Raw Material to Finished Good
There are different techniques and materials in Morocco. They are made exclusively by hand, by both men and women, and passed down for generations. Mastering these techniques requires a relatively long learning period and a high degree of application to obtain a quality article. The esparto weaving is rather a male work.
It is where the imagination and know-how of our great craftsmen and craftswomen come into play. Beyond reproducing the traditional items of their grandparents, they create new products that will fit wonderfully into our contemporary interiors. While respecting their roots and age-old traditions.
How do I Care for my Woven Palm Fiber Article?
Color and Shape
Artisans sometimes make the items before the palm leaf is completely dry. As a result, it may be green in color.
To turn your hanging wall decors or other items made from esparto straw into a golden yellow that smells like summer, you can leave your woven item in the sun.
This organic plant fiber is malleable. Transport could deform the product because it has been subjected to pressure.
If your item has been twisted during transport and is still in the wrong shape, you can leave it on the ground for a few hours to regain its usual form.
If you want to shape it, you can spray it (spray, not wet) and help it take the condition you wish to with weights. For example, put wet cloths if the form is rather round (baskets or round pendant lights).
You can use the same technique if your basket, light fixture, or any other item has been improperly stored.
How to Clean Esparto doum Items
The palm fiber has a rough aspect; the raw material is resistant and solid.
This natural fiber tends to turn grey outside. It is better not to expose it directly to the weather but choose a covered place.
You can use a soft brush, water, and soap as routine cleaning. If you want to give it a second youth, you can use flaxseed oil applied with a brush.
I’ve been working with these products for four years and learned a few things about palm leaves basketry. I want to try the varnish to see if it can be left outside longer. If you also have your little “tips” to maintain this fiber, thank you for sharing them. I would be happy to try them.
Don’t forget that doum is a natural plant material that continues to “live.” The eco-friendly fiber smells like Summer and Vacations.
If you are environmentally conscious and want to bring exoticism, nature, or authenticity to your decoration, come and discover our 100% hand-woven doum Home decors: exotic and bohemian hanging baskets, storage or fashion baskets, animal heads as wall decorations.