Moroccan carpets & rugs: everything you require to know

The greatest Moroccan rugs and carpets at lower costs

Moroccan carpets and rugs: All the information

Berber carpets are handwoven in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains by Berber women. These carpets feature intricate patterns inspired by the traditional script of the Amazigh people and often include scenes from everyday life, such as animals and birds. Carpet weaving is a vital source of income for Berber families, who have traditionally lived a nomadic and pastoral lifestyle. The Berber carpet represents the places where the Berber people have lived for thousands of years. It reflects their identity and how they have evolved. Moroccan carpets are known for their exquisite designs, rich colors, and unparalleled craftsmanship. They have adorned homes and palaces for centuries, adding warmth, beauty, and an air of mystery to the interiors.

History and Origins:

Moroccan carpets have a long history that reflects the country’s diverse culture. Influenced by the Berbers, Arabs, and Europeans, the art of Moroccan carpet weaving dates back centuries and has become a unique expression. One well-known type of Moroccan carpet is the Beni Ourain, made by the Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains. Beni Ourain carpets are famous for their simple designs and soft pile, and they are admired worldwide for their timeless elegance. Each rug tells a story, with patterns and symbols reflecting the weavers’ tribal heritage and beliefs.

The evolution of Moroccan carpets and rugs

Moroccan carpets blend two weaving traditions, with examples from cities like Rabat and Fes dating back to the 15th century. The traditional Berber carpet has a long history with many matching rock carvings. Most carpets are woven by one of the forty-five Berber villages, with each rug being hand-woven on a loom featuring a unique pattern created by women during their leisure time. Rugs take anywhere from 10 days to six months to complete and are typically used in homes or for special events before being traded or sold as goods.

Colors of the Moroccan carpets

Berber women used herbs and minerals to dye wool for Moroccan carpets. They performed a cleansing ritual before dyeing to purify their spirit. Yellow came from a broom plant called Achfoud. A wild madder called Taroubia produced red dye. Blue came from the Nila indigo tree, assisted by various ingredients such as henna and slaked lime.

Symbolism and Meaning:

Moroccan rugs aren’t just for decoration – they also have cultural significance and symbolism. Each design in Berber rugs has a specific meaning in their culture, such as providing protection, warding off evil spirits, or bringing good luck to the household. For example, the diamond design in Beni Ourain rugs represents femininity and fertility. Similarly, zigzag lines and chevron patterns symbolize water and the flow of energy, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of the Berber village.

Berber carpet techniques and Materials:

Moroccan carpets are traditionally handwoven using age-old techniques passed down through generations. The process begins with high-quality wool sourced from local sheep, renowned for its softness, durability, and natural lanolin sheen. Skilled artisans hand-spin the wool into yarn before dyeing it using natural pigments derived from plants, minerals, and insects. The weaving is a labor-intensive process, often carried out on traditional looms in small villages. The resulting rugs are visually stunning and imbued with the soul and spirit of their creators.

Amazigh women who are skilled in craft use decorative themes to represent their village’s culture, which emphasizes coexistence with people of different beliefs. Berber carpets are a prime example of this spirit. These can include floral or animal patterns, representations of the natural world, the sun, moon, and stars.

Where to buy and how to deal with Moroccan carpets?

When buying a Moroccan carpet, try to enjoy the process. Don’t be anxious or overly concerned with details, as this may affect the transaction. Have fun, and follow these tips to navigate the purchase process. It’s better to avoid buying carpets in crowded tourist areas like Marrakech. Instead, consider purchasing from small communities in the Atlas Mountains.

You can find shops with fixed prices or artist syndicates that offer high-quality products at average prices. However, if you’re good at haggling, you can get what you want for a lesser price in regular carpet stores. If you’re short on time, it’s best to visit a store with fixed pricing as they offer fair prices, but you may miss out on the unique experience of bargaining, which is one of the reasons you came to Morocco in the first place.

The customary method for making carpets

The tradition of carpet weaving involves special rituals. The wool is carefully treated and processed from shearing to warping. After shearing, the wool is in a secret part of the house. The women expose the wool to starlight the day before dyeing it to protect it from evil spirits. The weaver purifies the wool before dyeing it and hides it from view. When the weaver starts weaving the carpet in the morning, they say “Bismillah” (In the name of God). After finishing the carpet, the weaver cuts the supporting warp threads and follows certain rituals. Only the weaver can do this task, as the door must stay closed until the carpet is complete.

Modern Interpretations and Global Influence:

While rooted in tradition, Moroccan carpets have embraced modernity, adapting to contemporary tastes. Today, designers and artists are reinterpreting traditional motifs to create innovative designs. From minimalist interiors to bohemian living spaces, Moroccan carpets add exoticism and sophistication to any room. They act as a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship, culture, and tradition, weaving history, culture, and art into one exquisite tapestry.

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