Moroccan Rugs History and Background

Morocco is a country rich in history and cultural diversity. In Morocco, weaving is one of the traditions that has been in existence for a very long time; weaving has always been part of the country’s antiquity. Since weaving art in Morocco, it has made countless beautiful woven materials (rugs). The country is well known for the craft of weaving decorative rugs and personal use and exportation. Morocco’s rug-weaving culture shows why so many people are obsessed with the country’s craft, available in all types. The rugs are a combination of how well they are designed, their unique patterns used, and the fact that they are handmade authentic, and durable.

MOROCCAN RUGS.

Moroccan rugs have a history; it is known to be a handmade, woven or hand-knotted rug. These rugs have been handwoven using traditional techniques for centuries. They are known for its beautiful and stylish designs, and it has a plush texture, not only do they have beautiful and stylish designs as it’s a peculiarity, but these rugs are also known to be durable. A Moroccan rug trader will say they last forever, and that’s nothing but the truth.

They are known to be used to decorate homes and offices, providing unique and timeless works of art that are very functional in modern homes and offices. Many private consumers and interior designers choose the Moroccan rugs because of their modernist designs, which are colorful, dynamic, and their geometric structure makes them adaptable when changing interior design trends. These rugs suit the tastes and preferences of many homeowners and designers in many parts of the world. Because of its wide range of styles and colors, these have helped the rugs remain popular for the past century and on. Aside from being modern, the Moroccan rugs are made simple and very affordable and may be used in almost any room by people from different classes. The rugs can be used for different such as the decoration of houses, self-adornment, sleeping mats, bed coverings, saddle blankets, and even burial shrouds.

These unique rugs have an interesting history.

That skillfully and unique craft has been passed down from generations as the elders pass their techniques to younger family members as crafting is a heritage. From shearing the wool to washing it, to weaving the rug’s knot by knot, entirely by hand

The rugs are unique because each rug is designed by a different woman artisan who channels her historical heritage in her skillful creation. Each pattern and design of Moroccan rugs can symbolize the family from which the weaver is born. Some designs and patterns represent wealth or social status or indicate a certain religious belief of the weaver background, and all describe a different story. This makes the rugs unique and valued. The women based in remote mountains and plains are usually behind crafting the Moroccan rugs using fixed-heddle looms; these distinctive characteristics in the rugs give a view of the tribe the woman hails from. Some rugs are almost monochrome, having muted tones, while others are colorful tones with asymmetrical designs and borderless. Plain black wools dyed white, black sheep’s wool may either be used by the women depending on them, achieve dying, generally done using plants and other minerals found in the respective regions where weaving occurs. When the weaver wants a brilliant red color for the rugs, madder is used on the plains, while ocher is generally used in the rugs’ upper regions. The rugs have a unique family description of the weaver and have a wide variety of unique influences and characteristics according to Morocco’s geography. The Moroccan rugs cannot be classified as either Oriental or Middle Eastern.

People fall in love with these beautiful floor pieces as they walk through the traditional markets around Morocco. Most of the traditional markets are found in the old cities where traditional rug weavers sell their pieces.

It’s a fact that not everyone can visit Morocco to buy one of these beautiful rugs for their home, office, or as a gift to their loved ones. These beautiful rugs can serve as an awesome gift; they wouldn’t smile when their gift box is opened, and they see a Moroccan rug. Not living or visiting Morocco at any time doesn’t put a stop to you owning one as there are sites which orders can be placed, and this beautiful piece or pieces get to you at your doorstep. When placing an order for a Moroccan rug, it is important to ensure that the rug you are about to purchase is an authentic product from the best weavers. All you need to do is buy from a supplier who travels to Morocco or someone who visits the traditional markets and has a team of experienced and authentic weavers helping them carry out their orders to enable them to deliver to their customer’s person a daily basis.

Moroccan rug patterns and motifs are said to have meaning and to some extent ward of evil.

There are a lot of Moroccan designs for rugs. When purchasing a Moroccan rug, always keep in mind the mystical powers it is said to have; the meaning of the design you are about to purchase should be known or explained to you by the weaver or the Moroccan rug merchant, whosoever you are purchasing from because these rugs do not just add beauty to a room. Still, it is believed to bring a new personality to the buyer.

The loom used for weaving the rugs is said to be the highest motive of supernatural guidance. The weavers see the motif as an ordinary symbol, but one that has life present in it and should be treated as a living thing. The understanding of the loom is it has baraka. Baraka is an awareness of divine presence, charisma, and wisdom passed on from the loom to the artisan.

The additional implement used by the craft woman like the scissors, weaving combs, and knives are also said to have mystical potentials, which helps to ward against the upshot of the evil eye. Most times, the weaver’s implements that have appealing carved handles and designs also help to shield away from the extraordinary of the world.

On the finishing of the rug, it is believed to have gotten hold of all powers of each tool used from start to finish, and the finished design is considered a woven net that was giving protection against evil forces.

To know if your Moroccan rug possesses any baraka, all you need to do is look at the tools used, and the designs are woven into the rugs. Wool seems like luck, and since Moroccan rugs are made of wool, wool is believed to bring good luck to your home.

Fatima’s hand is the most commonly used motif; this pattern can be weaved in so many styles; it can be crossed or geometrical.

The cross motif is commonly right-angled, diagonally, or in a linear sequence. Triangle, diamond, eyes, or tattoos may be mixed with the cross motif. The cross motif is considered true to have the ability to fish out evil spirits first and then split the evil spirits into the six directions of the aged Moroccan universe, which are the north, south, east, west, above, and below worlds.

Central red oculus is another type of design that is also popular design by weavers, which is believed to avert evil from home. A lizard motif is woven with the tree. A symbol passed down from the ancient sun fashion. The pattern weaved around the lizard, both inside and out, is said to be eyes; curved and wavy lines are used to show the eyes’ energy flowing.

The lizard motif is also used alongside other popular designs. If a woven design includes snakes, lizards, scorpions, or turtles, it is believed to bring fertility and protect against adultery.

When making your decision on purchasing a Moroccan rug, have it in mind that a Moroccan rug is used to enhance a room in your home; the design you choose should blend in with your furniture and room design; this brings a perfect room. Some Moroccan rugs come in an urban design; these designs provide you with a sophisticated weave and finish which can easily magnify a modern design with ease; depending on your preference, these particular rugs can work beautifully in a modern or traditional room, providing you with a warm floor covering to turn your house into a home. Another option available is to go with a more rustic design. Most of the rural designs come from Marrakesh, the capital of Morocco, and has a unique design to increase your home’s look; it should be placed at your home’s focal point.