Mohamed Amine Htiouich began honing his metal engraving skills as a teenager. While it is gaining recognition abroad, local artisans regret that metal engraving remains undervalued at home and suffers from a lack of government support. Soula said that local craftsmen were "inspired by the aesthetic, religious and cultural references of their societies" when creating the exquisite works. While the traditional craft is gaining recognition abroad, local artisans regret that metal engraving remains undervalued at home and suffers from a lack of government support. Public initiatives are also few and far between in Algeria, but engraved metal remains in high demand.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 01, 2024 14:11 UTC