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Moroccan Rugs

How to recognise a Berber Rug

So you’re looking for a new rug. Your Instagram timeline is full of beautiful rugs in stylish homes, but which to choose?  Oriental or Turkish?  Zapotec or Kashmiri?  Of course, our expertise is in Moroccan Rugs, but did you know there is more than one type of Moroccan Rug?

The ancient city of Marrakech is where our family business started, and also the major trading centre where Berber people bring their rugs for sale.  Let us tell you a little about the different kinds of Berber Rugs you can get from the different tribal regions and each of them have a particular look which you will soon be able to recognise. Here’s a list of the main styles of Berber Rugs we have at Marrakech Bazaar – keep scrolling down or click on the links below for more information:

A Berber Rug is the general name for the rugs made by the Berber people who live in and around the Atlas Mountains of Morocco in Northern Africa. There are numerous different Berber tribes, who make their traditional rugs using techniques, patterns, symbols & motifs unique to their own tribe. However, all Berber Rugs we sell here at Marrakech Bazaar have the following features:

  • Handmade using centuries-old techniques on traditional looms;
  • Rugs are knotted or woven by skilled tribal women;
  • Usually only one side has tassels. These are made when the warp threads are cut on traditional looms after weaving;
  • 100% natural fibres – the weaving or knotting is from sheep’s wool;
  • 100% natural vegetable colours;
  • They last for many years, and vintage rugs are treasured heirlooms;
  • No two rugs are identical, like a work of art.
  • Made as a wedding gift – often called a ‘wedding blanket’;
  • Flat-woven (kilim);
  • Made from fine wool or cotton;
  • Embellished with sequins, tassels or pieces of fabric (boucherouite);
  • Used to cover the bridal bed, or as a wall hanging or throw.
  • Azilal region stretches from the High Atlas Mountains to the Middle Atlas;
  • 100% sheeps wool, low to medium pile;
  • Single-knotted, background usually natural cream or white colour;
  • Abstract patterns & symbols made with undyed black & brown wool; together with brightly coloured wood dyed using natural vegetable dyes from the region.