Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 – The oil for cosmetic use is obtained with the aid of machineries, while the alimentary one is handmade, according to the ancient method.
The women of argan, photo essay by Marco Marucci
In a sunny corner of Morocco, between the hills of olive , argan and a few other bushes, there is Imi N’Tlit. The inhabitants are about 8000, all of them Berbers and Muslims, they struggle to survive between pastoralism and agriculture. The only real wealth of this poor region is the exclusive nature has yielded on Argan plants, whose oil has taken an incredible value on the cosmetics market. About 3 of 4 litres of oil leave Morocco to reach the shelves of European and American shops. To escape the strict rules of market exploitation of a so attractive product, many cooperatives were born in Morocco as the one of Imi N’Tlit, called “Tamounte”. In a long and narrow room twenty women, methodically and constantly, by mean of a stone, hammer 3 or 4 times every nut, they extract the fruit ‐ smaller than a fingernail ‐ and proceed with a new nut. The method is the same since centuries without machinery. In the hall the rhythm is interrupted only occasionally by some chat among women ‐ which is followed by loud laughter. The strong will of the 32 women who make up the community, allows to contrast every day, cultural restrictions of their country and the adversities of nature. According Berber culture, the woman lives at home. The outside world doesn’t belong to her. They work by the piece, 40 dirham (about 4 Euros) for each kilogram of fruit produced. They usually get a few more then a kilogram every day. Not a big money, but a big step closer to the empowerment.
Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 – Chatter between women and loud laughter brake the hard and monotone work.
Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 – The lunch is the extreme example of sharing in the community.
Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 – The sense of community among the women of the cooperative is strong enough to even play games in this day of celebration.
Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 – Kids can wait their mother to finish their shift, in a room dedicated for them.
Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 -In Imi N’Tlit it’s not been raining for more than 12 months. This small puddle is the only resource for the town
Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 – Despite of the strong male chauvinist Berber culture, the manager of the facility is Taarabt.
Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 – Strong commitment of the manager, Taarabt, overcomes work hours: who wants can join arabic lessons.
Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 – Islamic religion is practiced by the whole Berber population of Imi N’Tlit.
Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 – The most of the profit is based on the orders received from Europe.
Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 – The women of the cooperative work by the piece, 40 dirham (about 4 Euros) for each kilogram of fruit produced. They usually get a few more then a kilogram every day.
Imi N’Tlit, Morocco Jan 2014 – In Imi N’Tlit when the sun sets everybody are already back home with their family.
photo essay by Marco Marucci
