MADE IN MOROCCO

Medina Market Bags

Handmade with locally sourced straw and using traditional techniques, meet the collection created by our partners in Essaouira, Morocco.

Artisanship at every corner

Writers throughout centuries have long revered Morocco as one of the most enchanting destinations in the world. It should come as no surprise then that during our first visit to Marrakesh in 2019, we were instantly taken by the warming landscapes and monumental sights—and the bustling artisan district boasting ancient tradition and craftsmanship at every corner.

“We've worked with our dear friend Hafid to create these handcrafted pieces just for you.”

— MELANIE & LINA

Made by hand, every step of the way

THE STORY BEHIND OUR BEST-SELLING BAGS

With motif-clad ceramics, wooden boxes made of the robust thuja tree and vibrant decorative carpets, we were innately drawn to the local artisans and their origin stories: The familial history, the traditional knowledge, the craftsmanship. But it was 120-miles southwest of Marrakesh in the vibrant coastal town of Essaouira where we admired the carefully woven, delicately intricate straw and wicker baskets, eventually leading to the creation of the MERSEA Medina Market Bag Collection.

Each Medina Bag (meaning city in Arabic, or country in Hebrew) is handmade with palm leaf and straw sourced from the plentiful Sous river abundance—the same practice respected for centuries. Traveling back to Marrakesh for final touches, our community leader then distributes each handmade basket to women’s cooperatives across the city where leather handles—sustainably tanned with natural plant extracts and colored with vegetable dye—are applied by hand alongside MERSEA motifs. Each Medina Market Bag is a result of tradition and care, and we cannot wait for it to be part of your travels.

Medina Market Basket - Leather Handles Sawing

woman holding medina tassel basket with green tassel

woman holding medina tassel basket wearing red dress in front of a blue door

Medina Tassel Basket - Medium

medium straw black check basket wrapped with black leather handle on a white background at an angle

Medina Check Basket

Medina Tassel Basket - Large

Added to Wishlist

$139.00

medium red heart straw basket wrapped with neutral leather handle on a white background at an angle

female holding medium red heart straw basket wrapped w/ neutral leather handle on white background

Medina Icon Basket - Red Heart

Market straw basket with tan leather handles and Libra symbol embroidered in white

Market straw basket with tan leather handles and Scorpio symbol embroidered in maroon

Market straw basket with tan leather handles and Sagittarius symbol embroidered in blue

Market straw basket with tan leather handles and Capricorn symbol embroidered in black

Market straw basket with tan leather handles and Aquarius symbol embroidered in light blue

Market straw basket with tan leather handles and Pisces symbol embroidered in teal

Market straw basket with tan leather handles and Aries symbol embroidered in red

Market straw basket with tan leather handles and Taurus symbol embroidered in foam green

Market straw basket with tan leather handles and Gemini symbol embroidered in green

Market straw basket with tan leather handles and Cancer symbol embroidered in light blue

Market straw basket with tan leather handles and Leo symbol embroidered in burnt orange

Zodiac Medina Bag Collection

small medina market basket with green handles

small straw basket wrapped with black leather handle on a white background at an angle

blonde female holding small straw basket with a neutral colored handle leaning against white wall

small straw basket wrapped with dark blue leather handle on a white background

Medina Market Basket - Small

medium straw basket wrapped with black leather handle on a white background at an angle

medium straw basket wrapped with orange leather handle on a white background at an angle

medium straw basket wrapped with neutral leather handle on a white background at an angle

medium straw basket wrapped with black leather handle on a white background

Medina Market Basket - Medium

large straw basket wrapped with neutral leather handle on a white background at an angle

large straw basket wrapped with black leather handle on a white background at an angle

large straw basket wrapped with dark blue leather handle on a white background at an angle

Medina Market Basket - Large

MEET THE ARTISAN

Hafid

Community Leader - Essaouira, Morocco

In Morocco, we are honored to have met and to continue working with our partner, Hafid. After meeting with Hafid during one of our early visits to Marrakesh, he continues to cultivate the valued relationships with Medina Market Bag Collection creators in regional Essaouira.