This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS $150+ (CONTINENTAL U.S. ONLY)

My Cart 0

Congratulations! Your order qualifies for free shipping You are $150 away from free shipping.
No more products available for purchase

Products
Pair with
Is this a gift?
Subtotal Free
Taxes and shipping calculated at checkout
Customs and import charges vary by country
View cart

Your Cart is Empty

Continue Shopping

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.

Medina Market Bag in Green

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.

Medina Marker Basket on truck
Medina Marker Basket - Craftsman

“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

up close shot of our straw medina 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.

Industrial Sewing Machine from Factory

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

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.

Man Waiving to Camera on Facetime or Zoom

MORE FROM THE MERSEA JOURNEY

The Signature Ecuador Collection

Lost luggage and subsequently the search for new clothing while on vacation, discover the story behind our sustainable Ecuador collection.

Large Beldi glass candle in Dune

The Beldi Glass Candles

Sustainably-made with recycled materials and filled with our hand-poured candles, this collaboration celebrates the beauty in the handmade.