All about our Moroccan manufacture carpets
Berber carpets in Morocco are traditionally manufactured by Berber women in rural regions of the country. It is an ancestral practice that has been transmitted from generation to generation. Berber women often use their free time to wander carpets, allowing them to save additional income for their family. The manufacturing techniques and the patterns of the carpets vary according to the region of Morocco, which gives great diversity in the styles and the designs of the Berber carpets.
For the creation of Beni Ouarain carpets, specific wool is used. These are sheep wool from the mountainous regions of the Atlas, where sheep are raised in rigorous climatic conditions. This wool is particularly thick, soft and durable, which makes it ideal for the manufacture of resistant and soft carpets.
The wool is carefully selected according to its quality, color and length. It is then washed and carded to eliminate impurities and nodes, before being spun by hand or machine to obtain wool wires used for carpet weaving.
The choice of wool is a key element in the quality of the Beni Ouarain carpets, because it affects not only their appearance, but also their sustainability and their comfort.
Here are the general stages of manufacturing a Berber carpet in Morocco:
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Selection and preparation of wool : The wool is carefully selected and sorted according to its quality, color and length. It is then washed and carded to eliminate impurities and nodes.
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Dyeing : The wool is then tinged with natural dyes, such as garance, henna, indigo or cochineal, depending on the desired colors.
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Weaving : The loom is installed and the channel wires are stretched. The weaver then begins to weave the carpet, using traditional techniques to create unique patterns and drawings. The carpet is woven by hand, which takes a lot of time and patience.
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Drawing and finish : Once the carpet is finished, the weaver draws the patterns on the carpet with chalk or soap. The carpet is then cut and fringed on the edges, and adjustments can be made to perfect the pattern.
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Washing and drying : The carpet is washed with water and soap to remove any trace of dust or dirt. He is then suspended to dry in the sun, which allows him to keep his shape and texture.
There are several types of Berber carpets in Morocco, each with distinct characteristics in terms of patterns, colors and weaving techniques. Here are the main ones:
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Beni Ouarain carpet : "Beni Ourain" is the name of the collective of 17 different Berber tribes that live in the Atlas mountains. Thus, any carpet woven by one of these Berber tribes is a Beni Ourain carpet.
In the old days, some Beni Ourain tribes believed that the carpets had the power to remove the evil spirits. They then incorporated elements of design and dungeon holders to ensure protection against the evil eye and bring luck and prosperity. Today, they are still thick and soft carpets highly sought after by designer and architects. They are generally white or cream with black or brown geometric patterns. -
Boujaad carpet : Boujaad Moroccan carpets are made in the Boujaad region, which is located in the center of Morocco, in the Atlas mountains. Boujaad is renowned for its traditional craftsmanship, including the manufacture of Berber carpets, which are handmade by local craftsmen according to techniques transmitted from generation to generation.
Boujaad's Moroccan carpets are distinguished by their colorful and vibrant geometric patterns, often made of hand woven by hand. Their traditional conception incorporates Berber symbols and patterns, reflecting local history and culture. Each carpet is unique, with subtle variations in colors and drawings, testifying to the craft know-how. The wool used is often naturally tinted, which gives the carpets a palette of warm and earthy colors. Due to their artisanal quality and their authentic aesthetics, Boujaad carpets are very popular worldwide.
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Azilal carpet : These carpets are made by the azilal tribes in the High Atlas region. They are often colored with abstract patterns, geometric shapes and tribal symbols.
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M'rut carpet: Originally from the M'Rut region, in the mountains of the Middle Atlas, these are carpets of exceptional quality which explains their sometimes high price. M'rut carpets are renowned for their luxurious wool, both soft and dense. This quality of production, which has become rare, makes an exceptional choice for those who favor comfort and sophistication.
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Marmoucha carpet: Due to their entirely artisanal manufacturing and the superior quality of the materials used, Marmoucha carpets are relatively rare on the market. The production process can be long and demanding, which contributes to their high price. Their hair longer than Beni Ourain gives a feeling of great softness to the touch. The wool used, of exceptional quality, offers shades ranging from white to pearly nuances.
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Boucherouite carpet : These carpets are made from recycled textiles, such as clothing, bags and furnishings. They are often colorful and have eclectic patterns and designs.
- Taznakht carpet: These carpets are made in the Taznakht region, located in southern Morocco, near the Atlas mountains. These carpets are also hand woven by local craftsmen, often women, using traditional techniques transmitted for centuries. Taznakht carpets are distinguished by their complex patterns and bright colors, often inspired by Berber nature and culture. They are woven in sheep wool or goat wool, and are renowned for their sustainability and artisanal beauty.
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Zayan carpet: These carpets are associated with the city of Zayan, located in the anti-Atlas region. These hand -woven carpets by women are distinguished by their bright colors and their daring patterns, reflecting the influence of Berber culture and surrounding landscapes. They are appreciated for their authentic aesthetics.
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Kilim carpet : These carpets are woven flat and are known for their colorful geometric patterns. They are manufactured by several Berber tribes in different regions of Morocco.
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Hanbel carpet : These carpets are woven flat and are often colored with simple and geometric patterns. They are made by the Berber tribes of the Middle Atlas.
- Talsint carpet: These carpets are manufactured by the Talsint tribes in the south-east of Morocco. They are often colored with complex and abstract patterns.
How to maintain a Berber carpet:
To take care of a Berber carpet, it is advisable to carry out a regular and gentle dusting of the carpet. Ideally, opt for a vacuum cleaner with a soft tip.
In the event of stains, pay off quickly with absorbent paper, if necessary to use baking soda or the earth of Sommières, before finishing the treatment with a suction session.
