Berber rug
Are you looking for a Berber rug? We have a collection of authentic handmade rugs made from 100% wool. Our rugs are manufactured in Morocco by various cooperatives of artisans in the region of Marrakech. In our collection we have different types of Berber rugs like Beni Ouarain rugs and Azilal rugs. Check out our unique collection now.
Handmade rugs
Hundreds of years ago, the now ancient craft of knotting rugs originated in Morocco. For generations, this tradition has been passed down in Moroccan culture. It is usually the mothers who teach their daughters the craft. Originally, the carpets were made by Berber tribes in the high Atlas Mountains. Because it was often cold and damp there, they used the rugs as a warm blanket. The high pile is used for a reason. The layer of air between the long hairs of the rug actually retains the heat of the body. Besides that, the rugs were also used in the summer. The Berber tribes used the rugs to lie on.
To make these beautiful rugs, our cooperative uses the wool of sheep. The wool is washed and then dried in the sun. After that they begin the process of knotting the rug on a traditional loom. One rug can contain as many as a million knots! Not surprisingly, the process of knotting a rug can sometimes take more than a month. Where the rugs from Morocco distinguish themselves from other rugs is the high pile. This makes the rug feel warm and soft to your feet.
Although the berber rugs exist in many different color combinations, the most typical color combination is an ivory background with a brown or black motif. Especially the plaid motif has become very popular in our Western interior. Rugs with this plaid motif are called Beni Ouarain rugs. A nice variation on the Beni Ouarain rugs are the ivory-colored rugs with symmetrical patterns, also called Azilal rugs. In addition, the rugs can contain different types of symbols, for example the symbol of “birth” or “femininity”. Sometimes the maker of the rug also incorporates her religious beliefs into the rug. Read more about the different types of carpets and how you can recognize them below.
If you have questions or if you want something different than what we currently offer, please contact us!
Moroccan rug
There are different types of Moroccan rugs, made by different tribes. We distinguish these in:
- Beni Ouarain
- Beni Mguild
- Boujaad
- Azilal
Beni Ouarain rug
Beni Ouarain carpets are currently the most popular rugs from Morocco. The rugs are named after a village called ‘Beni Ouarain’ in the Mid-Atlas mountains. You can easily recognize these vintage rugs by their ivory white color and black (often checkered) patterns. In addition, the rugs often have fringes on the short sides.
Beni Mguild rug
The Beni Mguild rugs can be recognized by their geometric, but simple motifs. In addition, they stand out by their color. The colors of the rugs have often faded over the years, giving them a beautiful vintage look. The special thing about these carpets is that they are (almost) no longer made. So you’re lucky if you can get your hands on one!
Boujaad rug
Bright colors and the most exuberant geometric patterns, that’s how you can recognize a Boujaad rug. Also, we often see the special color combinations that you would not expect.
Azilal rug
An Azilal rug is often high piled with lots of color. The rug is easily recognized by a fairly symmetrical pattern, unlike a Boujaad rug. An Azilal rug can sometimes, because of the colors and shapes, have a somewhat childlike appearance. Perfect for baby or children’s rooms!
Want to buy a rug?
Are you looking for a rug but don’t know exactly what will best suit you and your interior? We would like to help you in your search. Please contact us for more information.