The origins of Moroccan Berber rugs
To understand the origins of Berber carpets it is important to go back to their history.
Depending on the region, weaves, patterns, density, thicknesses and wool can be different according to the traditions of the Berber tribes.
Beni Mrirt rug
Or Mrirt
The origins of Moroccan Berber carpets Beni Mrirt are close to Beni Ouarains and confusion between the two is very often noted.
Today, both Beni Mrirt and Beni Ourains are certainly the most sought after.
Beni Ouarain rug
Or Ouarain
The origins of Moroccan Berber carpets Beni Ouarain are close to Beni Mrirt and confusion between the two is very often noted.
Today, both Beni Ouarain and Beni Mrirt are certainly the most sought after.
Beni M’Guild rug
Thick and very colorful rugs
Origin of the Beni M’Guild rug
From the Berber tribe Beni M’Guild, attached to the confederation of Ait Oumalou, in the Middle Atlas. A work carried out by the weavers that perpetuates this tradition from mother to daughter.
Conception
Like neighboring tribes, this knotted wool rug is very thick to protect against the cold winter.
The reasons
Its peculiarity lies essentially in warm colors of great intensity from deep shades of pink, red and purple.
The patterns are geometric, simple and irregular, making each rug a unique work of art.
Boucherouite rug
Or Boucharouette
The origins of Boucherouite carpets are certainly related to the needs of these Berber tribes to create. The Boucharouite is certainly the latest born of Moroccan Berber carpets. Their reduced financial condition led them to integrate many subjects into their very inventive creation.
Kilim rug
Or Klim, Kélim, ou encore Hanbel
The name Kilim is widespread, but its definition remains vague.
In reality Kilim is a weaving technique, excluding knots.
A very common technique
This technique consists of using cotton to make the warp and wool for the weft. This allows a more or less dense weave while maintaining lightness.
At the origins of the carpet
The origin of this weaving technique is undoubtedly the oldest, we are talking about 10,000 years. But its cradle remains hypothetical, perhaps Mesopotamia, then the nomads transmitted it over time to Central and Eastern Asia.
This is how Persian carpets are called «Kilim»
The Moroccan Kilim
Similarly, Berber weavers acquired this technique around the 17th century. Allowing to make very colorful patterns and keep a great lightness.
Its carpets protected the floors of mosques.
Today they are found everywhere, on the floor, on the wall and even as curtains.
Berber rug Ourika
A carpet with reliefs and colors
Origin of the carpet
The Ourika valley 20 kilometers from Marrakech, the ocher city.
Conception
A wool rug entirely knotted by the weavers of the Ourika valley. Its specificity is the appearance of different reliefs distributed on the surface.
Design
They are tribal representative of Berber traditions. We found the most beautiful rooms in front of the tents during the holidays.
With specific dimensions much longer than wide.
Today we find this very elegant carpet in many interiors, an oriental touch very sought after by decorators.
Boujaad rug
A very colorful carpet with a modern design.
Also named Bejaâd
Origin of the rug
Bejaâd is a Moroccan city in the Middle Atlas, located in the region of Beni Mellal-Khenifra.
Conception
These are thick knotted rugs.
Although the majority of Boujad rugs are made of wool, there are also different materials such as cotton, cloth or synthetic material.
Why some compare them to Bucherouite carpets
Design
The designs have great variations, mixing Berber motifs and modern designs. The colors are also very varied, pronounced and vivid.
Each rug matches the creative desires of the weavers, making them unique tribal rugs sought after for decoration.
Zanafi rug
A reversible black and white rug
Origin of the rug
The Berber tribe of Zanafi is located in the Middle Atlas and more precisely in the region of Khenifra.
Conception
The weaving technique is similar to that of Kilim rugs. The main reason being its particularity to be reversible.
In other words, the work is long and precise. So much so that Zanafi weavers often help each other to make a carpet.
Design
The vast majority of Zanafi rugs are made in black and white. A specificity to appreciate the drawings of great precision. Woven in a very dense way, these carpets are known for their great resistance.
When talking about the origins of Moroccan Berber carpets, it is important to keep in mind that initially, the majority of them constituted the wealth of the Berber tribes and therefore represented the dowry at weddings. In this sense, there are vintage rugs that have never been used that are carefully guarded by collectors.