HEART OF THE HENNA

Jamaa El Fna Square; Marrakech: The toursit district. Distinguished by swaying cobras, pop up merchants, shopping, barganing and lots of street meat....
and of course, the women of henna.

Morrocco is a body art culture. Shown with the exotic facial tatoos of Berber tribes and of course, henna. The Moroccan version of a temporary tatoo, henna is typically ritualistic.

Here is my tourist version from Jamaa El Fna. Twelve hours on the ground in Marrakech, and yes, I was a classic tourist. Wondering through the square, as an obvious foreigner, I was "accosted" by five Muslim women in the square, you don't just ask about henna, f uu get a 'bout it. Not price, not style, you just get it. In a whirl of an Arabic gypsy telling my unsolicited fortune, I had two other kimar drapped women grab my feet and hands and without  question, or discusssion decide upon my henna "tattoos".

Henna, normally a greenish color when applied, fades to a soft caramel color and lasts for 2-3 weeks. Apparently, I've unwittingly recieved a "fake" henna. Black in color, it's stained more like a tattoo than henna. Fading fast, a few days into my time in Marrakech, its almost gone. Now just a sad shadow.

Though any henna pattern may still be "exotic" to foreigners, the real Moroccan designs are very intricate, beautiful, and complex. Though mine are still beautiful and fun, I obviously received the simple version. Let's face it, 10 minutes of work, does not a complex design make.

Next time I seek henna, its to the wife of a friend. This is where I can be confident in receiving real henna, and traditional patterns. Where I can also enjoy the traditional Moroccan home, sip a heavily sugared green mint tea, and practice my Arabic, with a warm welcome. No shabby fortune telling either.

TIPS:
Ask a local friend or merchant, no in the square about where to get henna.
Determine your price before they begin, be very firm in getting this done, because they will begin with or without your permission. 
If they ask for a different price, don't worry, just stick to it, hand them the money and leave. The square is infamous for overcharging tourists.
Pick up your own henna for $1 USD in the souk with a pre designed pattern, and do it yourself. Fun, and anytime you want :) You can find this at any spice shop.

More on Berber facial tattoos and henna if you're interested http://moroccanbling.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/amazigh-facial-tattoos/ @ Moroccan Bling. http://nomadhearthenna.com/henna-and-morocco/  Nomad Heart.