Love Berber Rugs

I’m hooked on Berber carpets. These carpets are “real”. They’re never perfect, but that’s what makes them so irresistible. They are primarily made for everyday use but for beauty that can not be found in any other category of carpets. They are a mirror of real life in which authenticity and the desire for beauty and symbolism are strongly intertwined. Literally.

 

Azilal carpets are made exclusively in the area that runs from the northern parts of the High Atlas to the southern foothills of the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. They have strong, striking patterns and eye-catching symbols. The new ones often have bold, bright colors. Vintage Azilals have softer and natural cream, brown and ash-grey colours, which many people find more attractive and why the older carpets are gaining popularity. But that’s not because the technique of coloring has changed, but simply because the colors have become less bright over the years!

Azilal carpets have a relaxed and informal character and were usually made for private spaces in the house. They are always hand-knotted by women and they are full of symbolism that gives an insight into the life of the weaver. The knowledge of symbols and weaving has always gone from mother to daughter. Making a carpet can take a year.

 

Beni Ouarain

Berber carpets, unlike carpets from other regions, are often rough and minimalist in structure and patterns. The same goes for Beni Ouarain carpets, but due to the larger size and thickness they have a tough and powerful look. Simple, dark patterns against a cream or light background make these carpets a generous and chic addition to the interior.

 

Beni Ouarain’s were popular with famous designers a long time ago. In the 1930s, Le Corbusier and Charles and Ray Eames used these carpets in their interiors. Frank Lloyd Wright even had one in almost every room of his house. For some time, Beni Ouarains have been highly sought after by the general public.

 

How do you know if you’re buying an authentic Beni Ouarain? A vintage copy is often long (4 meters). Also, very few vintage carpets are in perfect condition. An old specimen often has irregularities and special accents that have been added by the weaver. Both vintage and new Beni Ouarains are recognizable by the way of knots on the back of the carpet and the thickness and quality of the wool.

 

Boucherouite

Unlike Beni Ouarain and Azilal carpets, Boucherouite carpets are only a few decades old. This new style of carpet making originated in the 60s and 70s, and arose more out of necessity than fashion. Like most Berber carpets, Boucherouites are woven by women for use in the home. But unlike the traditional use of wool, these carpets add cotton, nylon and sometimes plastic, whether or not from old garments. This was born out of necessity in ending nomadic existence. This transition was accompanied by an increased scarcity of wool.

 

Photos The Nice Stuff Collector