Berber rugs: a unique artisanal heritage.
Berber rugs are handcrafted products made in the heart of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. They are woven by Berber women on traditional looms using age-old techniques passed down through generations. Each rug tells a unique story, woven with care and passion by talented hands.
Origins and manufacturing techniques
While the history of Berber rugs spans centuries, it is rooted in a tradition that is both stable and dynamic. Ancestral skills are passed down from generation to generation, evolving and being refined. Once the sheep is sheared, its wool is collected and spun. This step yields the true wool fiber. The fibers are first combed or carded to remove any impurities. Then comes the actual spinning, which involves stretching and twisting the wool fibers to obtain a
continuous, even, and very strong yarn. Once the wool is obtained, the rug-making process can begin. The weft threads are stretched on the loom, which determines the size of the rugs produced. The wool threads are then generally knotted around
only two weft threads. Although the knots vary depending on the type of Berber rug, the "Berber knot" consists of wrapping the wool around the weft in a figure-eight pattern. The weaver passes successively in front of and behind the two weft threads before tightening and compacting the knot. The complexity and meticulousness of this craft explain the time required to achieve the final result: it takes two months to weave a rug.
● Azilal rugs : These rugs are made in the mountainous region of the city of the same name, in the High Atlas Mountains. While they were traditionally adorned with multiple monochrome motifs, today they are distinguished by ultra-colorful, sometimes even fluorescent, designs on an ecru background. Azilal rugs are a blend of tradition and modernity, offering contemporary, colorful visuals through traditional weaving techniques. They are softer and less dense than Beni Ouarain rugs, and they can sometimes be woven with a cotton weft thread, which is notably found in the fringes.
● Beni Ouarain rugs : These rugs are woven in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, originally by a Berber tribe of the same name. Beni Ouarain rugs are very thick, plush, and made exclusively from the wool of sheep grazing in the pastures surrounding the villages. The base of these rugs is traditionally ecru, adorned with dark brown geometric patterns. The wool is natural and untreated, and its color corresponds to that of the sheep from which it comes. Beni Ouarain rugs have become the quintessential Berber rug. Their ecru background and traditional geometric patterns of black or colored diamonds make them a staple in interior design.
● Boucherouite rugs : Their name “Boucherouite” means “fabric scraps,” the most commonly used material for their weaving. Indeed, these rugs are distinguished by the use of recycled materials in their creation: fabric scraps, clothing, wool… It is this colorful mix that makes them true works of art and unique products with each weaving.
● Boujaad rugs : These are rural rugs, more rustic than their Beni Ouarain cousins. They feature patterns and colors reminiscent of vintage rugs. Indeed, their diverse hues are sometimes faded, prematurely worn to give them a patina that evokes antique rugs. However, they are actually new rugs, easily recognizable thanks to their designs, a harmony of flat, faded colors, traditional Berber symbols, and motifs. Boujaad rugs thus appear as a kind of primer of traditional Berber symbols and patterns.
● Kilim rugs : The weaving technique for these rugs is very ancient and complex: they are the only Berber rugs woven flat from knotted wool. Unlike the weaving techniques of other types of rugs, it is impossible to use a loom to make a kilim. This results in very dense, 100% wool rugs that are particularly lightweight and robust. They are just as often decorated with traditional geometric patterns as with solid colors, giving them a very contemporary feel.
● Marmoucha rugs : These are authentic rugs whose weaving technique differs from that used for Beni Ouarain rugs: they are made with larger than average knots, giving them greater suppleness than many other rugs. In addition, they have a longer pile, which provides a soft feel.
● M'rirt rugs : These rugs are made in the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region of the Middle Atlas Mountains in central Morocco. They are the most prestigious of Moroccan Berber rugs. Their weave is particularly tight, resulting in a denser rug. Consequently, a larger quantity of wool is required to weave a M'rirt than any other rug of the same size. They are also washed and brushed after weaving, a process that gives them their silky, velvety appearance.
● Zanafi rugs : These rugs originate from the High Atlas Mountains. They are distinguished by their black and white patterns and thick texture, offering both
durability and elegance. They are 100% wool kilims, flat-woven.
An ethical and responsible approach
For over four years, Les Tapis Sauvages has offered a selection of Moroccan Berber rugs in our online store and Parisian showroom.
Our goal? To offer you the finest Berber rugs at affordable prices. Les Tapis Sauvages is committed to an ethical and responsible approach to providing authentic Berber rugs. The company works closely with Moroccan artisans, cooperatives, and families to guarantee fair working conditions and just compensation for the weavers.
This approach not only preserves the authenticity and quality of Berber rugs but also contributes to the economic development of the producing regions. By choosing a rug from Les Tapis Sauvages, you directly support these artisan communities and participate in the preservation of their
unique skills.
Unique and durable pieces
Each Berber rug offered by Les Tapis Sauvages is a unique piece, carefully selected during trips to Morocco. These distinctive rugs, made of 100% wool, are designed to last. They embody the principles of responsible consumption.
With a wide selection of over 1200 pieces in stock, everyone can find the perfect rug for any type of interior, all at affordable prices. Les Tapis Sauvages offers these handcrafted treasures both online and in its Parisian showroom, where customers can view and choose their rug by appointment.
By incorporating a Berber rug into your home, you acquire not just a decorative element, but also a piece of history and living culture. It's an invitation to travel, a celebration of traditional craftsmanship, and a commitment to more ethical and sustainable consumption.
