Walking around the various alleyways of Marrakech, you can smell rich spices, find entertainment, and may notice the colorful, bright fabrics hanging around every corner. These colorful carpets are known as Moroccan Rugs, or Berber rugs, and are a staple of the Moroccan culture.
What are Moroccan Rugs?
Moroccan Rugs are typically a very simple or shaggy rug. You can find these rugs available in colors such as white, beige, and brown. Occasionally you’ll even find them in bright colors. Moroccan rugs are typically homemade and designed from the imaginations of each artisan. They customarily take at least two people to create, often pairs of daughters and mothers or close relatives.
What is the Difference between Handmade and Machine Made Rugs?
There are machine-made rugs as well as handmade rugs. You will be able to tell the difference between the rugs depending on the material it has been created with. If your Moroccan carpet has been made using synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester, then it most likely has been made using a machine. A handmade rug will typically be produced with natural materials, such as wool.
Different Types of Moroccan Rugs
Before choosing a Moroccan rug, it’s essential to understand the differences in the carpets’ styles. There are various styles, shapes, and tribes that create Moroccan rugs. The main differences relate to the region, weaving technique, and the tribal group contributing to the rug’s creation.
You may see a crossover of different regions’ traits depending on the inspiration for the rug. It’s important to note that there are hundreds of varieties of Moroccan rugs available. Here we list a few of the main classifications of the Moroccan rugs.
Beni Ouarain Berber Rugs
The Beni Ouarain is one of the most famous Berber rugs and refers to a prominent region in the middle of Morocco. Beni Ouarain rugs are often constructed out of wool and are well known for their diamond-shaped design and beige color. Each carpet is different and represents the artist’s unique creation. Beni Ourarian rugs are often known for their thickness and high-quality nature.
Azilal Berber Rugs
Another tribal region, known as Azilal, is landlocked in the Atlas Mountains, just south of the beautiful Ouzoud Falls. Azilal Moroccan carpets are also made of natural beige sheep wool. They differ from the Beni Ouarain rugs in few aspects: Azilal rugs are much softer as the wool in this region has a different consistency and is much more colorful. These Moroccan carpets provide a greater variety of designs and shapes incorporated into each rug. They offer a unique cachet and bring a festive mood to your space.
Boujad Berber Rugs
One of the oldest cities in Morocco, Boujad, is in the Khouribga Provence. Boujad Moroccan rugs are characterized by their colorful and artistic designs consisting of Berber symbols or abstract illustrations. They come consistently in natural dyes of soft red, pink, ochre, and pale orange. Boujad Berber Rugs give a genuine vintage look to any room.
Boucherouite Berber Rugs
As opposed to the other categories, the name Boucherouite doesn’t relate to a region. Instead, it relates to the style and the composition of the rug. Boucherouite is a Moroccan-Arabic term used for torn and reused clothing or fabrics. This style of Moroccan rugs is an incarnation of the sustainable style of the tribes in Morocco. Their exuberance and unpredictable colors characterize them. Boucherouite Berber Rugs combine practicality and boldness in design which is shown through their bright colors.
Tazenakht Berber Rugs
Tazenakht Berber Rugs are created in the South of Morocco from the Tazenakht area. Tazenakht Berber Rugs are durable, unique, and full of intricate designs and patterns. Tazenakht Morrocan rugs are known for their high-quality and wide range of colors, including reds, ochres, and earthy yellows. These gorgeous vintage rugs will complete any room with their character and history.
Moroccan rugs are stylish, unusual and tell a remarkable story through their design. Adding one of these vintage rugs to your home will add a unique flair to your décor, regardless of your style. Understanding the various types of rugs will help you choose what kind of carpet works for your home. However, you can’t go wrong with the kind of rug you choose, as all are unique and made with a ton of heart.
Read our other blog posts on Vintage Rugs:
- https://rugsource.com/6-important-factors-to-keep-in-mind-when-shopping-for-antique-rugs/
- https://rugsource.com/7-tips-when-shopping-for-runner-rugs/
- https://rugsource.com/distressed-rugs-the-hottest-trend-on-the-market/
- https://rugsource.com/different-rug-types-are-they-worth-the-investment/
- https://rugsource.com/the-benefits-of-handmade-rugs/
- https://rugsource.com/distressed-rugs-what-is-it-and-when-to-use-it/
- https://rugsource.com/how-to-choose-the-right-rug/
- https://rugsource.com/why-every-home-should-have-an-antique-rug-for-a-unique-touch/