This lambskin leather tote was made by artisans working with traditional methods in the tanneries of Fès, Morocco where the craft of leatherwork has thrived for nearly twelve hundred years. The leather used in the tote follows ancient traditions passing first from the farmer to souk, then souk to tannery, and lastly from the tannery to artisan for quality construction of the goods.

Mohammed Abdullatif is a master tanner from the venerable city of Fès, Morocco. Abdullatif is an elder in the tanning trade that has flourished in the city since the ninth century when the sultanate was founded. The old Medina quarter, where he has lived his whole life, is also the center of the leather trade consisting of three ancient tanneries, recently restored at full capacity, with the support of UNESCO. The traditional techniques employed by the craftsmen are a physically rigorous affair and especially odious to some, although the resulting leather quality is undoubtedly a testament to their artisan skills and passion, passed down from their forebears.