Morocco Unveils ‘Treasures of Morocco’ Exhibition at MASA in Abidjan

The newly inaugurated exhibition in Abidjan is showcasing Moroccan caftans, zellige, calligraphy, gastronomy, and Sahara leatherwork as Morocco takes center stage at ASA 2026.

Fez — Morocco has inaugurated the “Treasures of Morocco” exhibition in Abidjan, using one of Africa’s biggest performing arts gatherings to spotlight the country’s cultural heritage, artisanal know-how, and broader soft-power presence on the continent.

The exhibition opened on Sunday at the Palais de la Culture as part of the 14th edition of the “Marché des Arts du Spectacle Africain,” known as MASA, where Morocco is this year’s guest of honor.

MASA 2026 is running in Abidjan from April 11 to 18 under the theme, “Performing arts in Africa: a tool for economic and social integration.”

Set up through Morocco’s Department of Culture, the Morocco Stand was designed as a compact showcase of Moroccan identity, presenting visitors with a curated journey through traditions that remain deeply rooted while continuing to evolve.

Among the exhibition’s headline elements is the Moroccan caftan, presented through a collection signed by designer Kaoutar Youssefi. The display highlights the garment not simply as clothing, but as a dense artistic synthesis of silk trimming, embroidery, beads, sequins, and hand-finished detailing.

Visitors are also being introduced to Moroccan zellige, a craft long associated with painstaking geometry and intergenerational workshop knowledge, as well as Moroccan calligraphy, whose decorative role stretches from manuscripts to mosques, palaces, jewelry, and furnishings.

The exhibition also gives space to Moroccan gastronomy and to leatherwork from the Moroccan Sahara, underlining the breadth of the country’s artisanal traditions.

Morocco’s wider cultural push at MASA

The opening drew senior Ivorian officials, including Culture and Francophonie Minister Françoise Remarck and National Assembly President Patrick Achi, underscoring the political and symbolic visibility of Morocco’s participation.

That visibility extends beyond the exhibition hall. Morocco has a strong artistic presence at MASA 2026 through several musical and heritage groups, including the Gnaoua group of Maalem Hassan Boussou, “Ribab Fusion,” and “Taifa Aissaouia” with Haj Said Berrada, alongside Moroccan speakers specializing in arts and culture.

Since its creation in 1990, MASA has grown into one of the continent’s key cultural marketplaces, dedicated to promoting African performing arts and improving their access to international circuits. This year’s edition reflects that scale, with official MASA material describing the event as a major platform for artistic exchange, professional networking, and cultural diplomacy.