Everyone knows that the quality of a profession is measured by its profitability
The best professional choice is the one that brings the most moral balance and money.
However, happiness lies in the job that allows us to realize our being, that is, to display our personality.
La Presse – In other words, if we honestly serve society while earning our bread with dignity, we feel enriched on an emotional and moral level.
Wealth should therefore be accompanied by supreme values, not by overflowing bank accounts. The essential things are to be honest, to love one’s work, and not to give in to ease…
The Copper Artisan of Kairouan
Among the trades that are highly appreciated in Kairouan is that of the specialist artisan in copper manufacturing, the semi‑precious metal whose main branches are boiler making, tinware, and tin‑plating.
The rivalry among artisans fuels artistic creativity, and the creative spirit of professionals constantly strives to meet modern demands while respecting the authenticity of heritage.
Although the number of copper artisans has declined in recent years on Rue Ennhaïssia—today there are 28 seasoned craftsmen (versus 37 in the 1980‑90s and 100 in the 1960s)—the trade remains arduous, dirty, and health‑risk‑laden. Some artisans continue to promote their know‑how and fight for their survival, catering to the majority of Kairouan brides who go to great lengths to purchase copper items (for cooking, drinking, hygiene, and beauty).
Sahbi Raïss – Master Copper Artisan
Sahbi Raïss, a master copper artisan and owner of two shops—one in Ennhaïssia for the fabrication of copper articles and another in the Medina where he sells hammered copper for decoration, red copper, and ornamental objects—talks about his passion for a trade that has undergone several evolutions, from making various utensils to finely crafted objects full of innovation and great aesthetic concern:
“Although we have been facing many difficulties for several years due to the high cost of raw material and the scarcity of labour—especially since young people prefer other, less exhausting and less dirty jobs—I have chosen to set aside the complicated tooling of modern industry and follow primitive rules with simple hand tools.
In fact, I am happy to create ornamental objects such as carved trays, candlesticks and lampshade supports, lanterns, frames for mirrors, and others.
With the rise of stainless steel, aluminium, glass and other materials, citizens have preferred to replace copper with these newer, cheaper, and lower‑maintenance materials. Most of my clients are young fiancés eager to offer their beloved a Moussem du Mouled and Aïd set composed of copper items… In short, I am glad to create and be useful in this trade that I learned from my father and grandfather.”
Health Benefits and Tin‑Plating Practices
Several studies have shown that cooking in copper vessels destroys harmful bacteria. The tin‑plating operation must be performed before domestic use, covering the copper with a thin layer of tin.
It is worth noting that most mothers prefer to cook in copper pots during the holy month. These days, tin‑plating services for kitchen utensils have become more expensive.
Inès, a mother of a family, tells us that she paid 70 D last year to tin‑plate her couscoussier, pot‑jie, cauldron, and pans. This year, the price rose to 120 D for the same items.
This article highlights the cultural, economic, and health dimensions of copper craftsmanship in Kairouan, underscoring the resilience of artisans who keep the tradition alive despite modern challenges.
