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Moroccan rugs have won an army of admirers all over the world, none more so than pieces from the looms of the many rug-making artisans in the rural regions of Morocco. Whether authentic hand-woven vintage works of art or modern versions using centuries-old weaving techniques, these rugs are rich and luxurious enhancements for practically every decor style. Let these beautiful examples inspire you to weave a touch of Moroccan magic into your home.
Tribal Trends
A trend towards an eclectic and layered approach to decor is in the wind for the coming year – and hopefully well beyond. Dubbed Desert Wanderer, it embodies a drift towards the handmade and imperfect, and suggests growing attention to traditional crafts from old cultures.The Moroccan rug spectrum is a huge and glorious tapestry of many different styles, roughly separated into urban and rural types. Rustic rugs woven by traditional rural tribes are emerging as hands-down favourites for modern homes.
The history and stories contained in tribal rugs are as complex as their weaves and patterns. Knowing a little about their background will immeasurably enhance enjoyment of their beauty. To set you on the road to Morocco, here are some terms you may see as you hunt down that perfect rug.
Berber
Berbers, also known as the Imazighen, are indigenous people living in tribal communities scattered over North Africa. Weaving has a long history among the Imazighen and many distinctive rug forms have emerged from their complex culture.
The term ‘Berber’ appeared in the west in the ’60s and ’70s, referring to an oatmealy loop pile carpeting. This wall-to-wall floor covering referenced the distinctive knot form and natural multi-coloured flecks found in Berber rugs made in Morocco. Nowadays, the word is more correctly associated with hand-woven rugs crafted by tribal Amazigh (the singular of Imazighen) groups.
Beni Ourain Rug
The Beni Ourain rugs are a confederation of nomadic Amazigh tribes from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Their rugs are made from the superior quality curly wool from their sheep and goat herds, mostly left undyed. One of the most recognisable and sought-after rugs today, the iconic pattern consists of irregular black or brown linked diamonds and abstract symbols on a thick-pile white or ivory background.
Original Beni Ourains were used as blankets, bedspreads and cloaks for warmth, the loose soft structure designed to conform to the body. They are traditionally woven by women and are infused with elements of the life, aspirations and history of the weavers. Recently, artisan groups have come together to create marketing systems ensuring fair return for their skilled and time-consuming work.
Beni Ourain rugs have surpassed transient trends to become design classics. We can thank mid-century modern designers for opening Western eyes to their beauty. Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, Marcel Breuer, Charles and Ray Eames fell in love with them and Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Falling water has Beni Ourain rugs in several rooms. The rich textures, elegant colours and idiosyncrasies highlighted the sleek modernist interiors of the day, and continue to do so.
Wouldn’t it be lovely to own an original pre-1950s Beni Ourain? They are sadly becoming rare and expensive. Older rugs are smallish as they had to be carried during nomadic movements – a rug larger than about three metres square purporting to be vintage or antique is probably not. Be wary if a fringe has been sewn on or if the reverse knotting is regular and perfect. Before investing in what you believe to be an old Beni Ourain, get professional advice and valuation.
Beni Ourain women are still turning out gorgeous rugs in this style and they can be custom-woven to order. Buy through a reputable dealer and ensure it’s wool, to get that luxurious look and silky feel that is the joy of Beni Ourain.
Why Choose A Beni Ourain?
Because you want a rug with a story. Because you love to go barefoot around the house and sit on the floor on big squashy cushions. Because you like a rug not overloaded with colour and pattern, that makes a strong statement in a smooth-textured, streamlined modern space. Because you are prepared to invest in a rug that will last a lifetime.
Boucherouite Rug
The 1960s saw a shift in Berber rug making. Tribal cultures and lifestyles were changing, wool supplies were dwindling, while demand for Moroccan pieces remained high. In a superb example of adaptability and resourcefulness, some Amazigh women began hand-making rugs using found fibres, cotton and fabric scraps from Moroccan garment factories, including nylon, lurex and even plastic – upcycling at its best. The name for this new style, Boucherouite, is from the Arabic bu sherwit meaning a scrap torn from a garment.
Boucherouite rugs are vivid and playful, each one unique. Sometimes called Beni Ourain’s lively little sister, they are rag rugs on steroids. The weaving techniques are traditional, but the results are free-wheeling and spontaneous, with zigzags and geometric shapes thrown together at the weaver’s whim. With no earth tones, like the more sober Beni Ourains, some find them garish. Others adore them for their honesty and dynamism – in a light-filled white room, they positively glow. They are hard-wearing and some even claim to be machine-washable.
Why Choose A Boucherouite?
Because these rugs tell the story of a changing culture. Because you have a bohemian soul and revel in clashing colours, and because you love the idea of rubbish being recycled and becoming an object of beauty and character. Because your home is a place where fun takes precedence over elegance.
Azilal Rug
These are woven in the Azilal province in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco. They combine the freestyle zaniness of Boucherouites and the restrained dark grid of Beni Ourain, often with a natural wool background throwing bright colours, motifs and diamond lozenge shapes into relief. Natural dyes from saffron, henna, indigo, wild mint and pomegranates lend these rugs their vibrancy. They display the intuitive artistry that permeates tribal Moroccan rugs and with their modern aesthetic, make superb wall art.
Why Choose An Azilal?
Because you love pure wool underfoot. Because, although you love colour, you’re not quite sure about a full-on Boucherouite in all its riotous glory. Because your hard industrial decor could do with something soft and less serious. Because the quirky, wonky shapes remind you of kids’ crayon art and make you smile.
Tuareg Rug
The Tuareg rugs are a semi-nomadic tribal ethnic confederation that shares a language with Amazigh tribes in Morocco. Not strictly Moroccan, they are Saharan desert dwellers inhabiting a vast area surrounding Morocco. Known as ‘the blue people’ because the indigo dye used in their clothing colours their skin, theirs is a matriarchal culture where men, not women, wear the veil from the age of 25.
Tuareg rugs and mats are one of the most distinctive and interesting in the region. Born in the harsh Saharan climate and used as floor coverings in tents, they are made from camel hair, palm fibre, reeds and leather, sometimes mixed with wool and cotton. The beauty of these rugs is their mastery of leatherwork, their ruggedness and how their rich earth tones develop a warm mellow patina with time and wear.
Why Choose A Tuareg?
Because you were born under a wandering star, adore leathery, robust natural textures and want a show-stopping but practical rug that is happy indoors or out and will grow old gracefully. Because you don’t do soft pastels and tiny florals, but like to introduce a gutsy masculine touch.
Kilim Rug
Kilim rug isn’t the name of a tribal group, but a weaving technique. These rugs emanate from a vast geographic area and use a tight flat-weave method that sharpens and enhances the design. Many Amazigh tribes produce kilim items, such as blankets and grain bags, that are being used in modern homes as rugs. Styles and symbols differ widely, from intricate to more orderly, like this boldly striped piece.
Why Choose A Kilim?
Because you are a minimalist, but need one glorious patterned piece to pep up a room. Because you can’t be bothered with dirt-trapping pile rugs and like to give a rug an occasional shake out. Because you want a lightweight rug that can be moved to other rooms at a whim. Because there’s a kilim for every budget.
Berber Modern
Today, tribal weavers of Berber rugs have one foot in their ancient cultures and one in the 21st century. While still creating rugs telling their old stories, new more contemporary designs on a larger scale that suit modern homes are coming from their looms. The authenticity of the industry is under some threat from knock-offs made in China and India – these are budget-friendly, but lack the romance of the real thing.
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