Berber Carpet Weaving Traditions of Morocco

All around the world, Moroccan carpets are widely known. In the West, the closely woven beige Berber rugs can be seen in contemporary homes, offices, and schools. While these rugs are stain-resistant, their dark sprinklings of tan and brown are no match for the thousands of delicately designed and incredibly colorful traditional Berber carpets of Morocco.

Styles

Traditional Berber carpets have special colors and patterns and are woven from camel hair, sheep wool, olefin material, or nylon. The materials are washed by hand and dyed naturally from saffron yellow to wild mint green and from pomegranate and henna. These exquisite carpets, with their robust geometric patterns, go as fact back as the Merinid era. Carpets from the Middle Atlas usually have a traditional diamond grid.

Climates

The Berber tribes created an array of weaves to suit various climates. The rugs found in the mountains have bigger loops and are knotted more loosely to shield the wearer against cold. In warmer areas, the rugs are crafted with a thinner weave. In the Middle Atlas, the rugs were used as sleeping mats, and in areas with temperate climates, knots are usually 2cm in height.

History

Berber weaving relies greatly on the female culture and is customarily handed down in the home. The young beginner learns the various looping methods, patterns, motifs, and color ranges. In times gone by, women crafted carpets for their families while men generally made carpets more professional than expert master-weavers. These breath-taking designs have been the inspiration for newer contemporary carpet making.

Carpets were historically a favored gift for privileged social classes and were used to decorate palaces and other sacred spaces. The modern carpets have been used as prayer rugs and masts in the hammam as well. If you’re a traveler who wants to know about Berber Carpet weaving should attend the Weavers Cooperative and the Berber Carpet Demonstration, a popular exhibition. Several old Haouz rugs are also kept in museums like the Dar Batha Museum. These sophisticated rugs can be bought from the tribes and the winding souks of Fes, Marrakech, and Rabat.

Haouz

Carpets from the plains and hills of the Haouz area usually don’t follow customary patterns or designs. In this area, the weavers showcase their individualistic creative expressions throughout the design. The carpets are uniquely styled and are usually fascinating pieces of art.

Art Form

The intricate designs, weaving methods, and outstanding colors of diverse areas show their unique fashion. Every tribe has a signature design and usually tells a tale, showing ceremonial acts or patterns that frequently relate to protection and fertility. Like any other kind of abstract art, understanding these designs is greatly helped by knowing more about the legends, songs, and culture.