The current infatuation of the West for Moroccan tribal rugs has been extended to the 20th century when rug designers bosomed bluffer palettes and sheer geometric patterns as a contrast in this form-follow-function home decorator. These natural and rustic austere interiors were designed by the famous designers; Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright and Alvar Aalto. They designed one at Fallingwater which was admired for being the first modernist masterwork by Wright, says Madeline Weinrib, who is also a dealer and designer of rugs and deals directly with the manufacturers of these fabric gems even if requires travelling to widespread locations.
With the ascension in eco styles, global and bohemian, the demand for Moroccan rugs has been raised a lot. A six-figure price is offered whenever you want to purchase vintage and well-crafted version of a rug. An ancient-rug specializer, Murat Kupcu, who is also the proprietor of double knot has explained this forethought as; Because of the unending ply of Moroccan rugs and with the fame, it is essential to differentiate between handmade and authentic Berber rugs and those which are purely manufactured for export and market. Ironically, only the rugs were built in an economical manner and not having the idea of market rate in mind which showcase highest price tags.
Women exclusively manufactured Moroccan tribal handicrafts in a traditional manner, and personal use was the sole purpose. Besides being used as floor coverings, obtuse pile rugs were used as seatings, mattresses and blankets during the wintertime. Every woman weaved her life story into a rug. Moroccan rugs are filled up with symbolism, and they depend on the location where they have meandered. These rugs roll from monochrome to graphically dense, containing muted, natural tones and saturated or bright shades. The gestural and dynamic shapes which are evocative of contemporaneous paintings negate the time-intensive and tedious method compulsory to weave them.
Bold tribal designs
From the mountains of Atlas to Sahara, many rural areas of Morocco feature sheer geometric designs. Azilal region expanding from the north of the High Atlas to the southern foothills of the Middle Atlas renders many of the desired, fully decorated rugs. Deficient in written language, ancestral myths were incorporated by Berber weavers into their fabrics applying archaic symbols and images. Azilal rugs include modern designs and artistic work for being single knotted; which is why the patterns are so complex.
Different styles of Moroccan rugs
Morocco is admired for its cultural diversity and splendid history. From the Atlas Mountains to Jewish, African and Arab influences, Morocco is famous for its food, architecture and natural area rugs. Although Moroccan rugs are illustrious, people still got confused about them while choosing one for their home or business. Below we have listed different types of handmade Moroccan rugs detailing their origin and specific styles.
Moroccan Azilal Rugs
Azilal tribal rugs belong to the central province of Azilal in Morocco. They are weaved by Berber women. Their heavy pile and plushness make them resemblant to Beni Ourain rugs. The thing that distinguishes them is their color pattern. Azilal rugs contain a variety of colors of wool clouded with vegetable dyestuffs and many geometric shapes. If you are looking for a Beni Ourain rug with more spice and spunk, then these rugs are just for you.
Beni Ourain Rugs
These handmade wool rugs are purely weaved with 100% sheepskin by Beni Ourain tribes located in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. Mostly they are designed with Berber insignia or large lozenges, and they are usually cream in color. Other color schemes in which they can be found are taupe or turquoise. Their minimalist and timeless look makes them trendy and eye-catching. Designer LeCorbusier admired these rugs, and he used these Beni Ourains to juxtapose on his leather furniture. Frank Lloyd Wright decorated his home with these rugs. Another category of Beni Ourain rugs is named as Beni Mririt rugs.
Boucherouite Rugs
Boucherouite rugs are manufactured from reprocessed stuff. These eco-friendly handmade Moroccan rugs are interwoven by Berber women, and they have become more and more popular for having no flaw in their charm, patter and shades.
Kilim rugs
Kilim rugs are typically associated with Romania and Turkey, but the fact is, these gorgeous kilims are also weaved in Morocco. These rugs are woven thin and flat, and they are not as soft as other Moroccan tribal rugs. They contain no pile. However, when they have a pile, they look charming with their fantabulous designs and color schemes. Moroccan kilims are appreciated from Morocco to California Boho Chic for being ideal for interior décor. These handmade Moroccan rugs are cost-effective and can be used for indoor/outdoor areas in warm weather.
Moroccan Boujad Rugs
Boujad rugs are made in the middle Atlas Mountains, and they are renowned as poufs. They have a very trendy and captivating color pattern of pinks, oranges, and purples. They are admired for their originality.
R’bati rugs
R’bati rugs are made in Rabat which is the capital of Morocco, and they are usually available in bright colors like green, purple, red and blue. The design includes diamond motifs or a large diamond in the center and the designs on the contour line enfolding a plain area. These Moroccan rugs are not very popular now, but you can see them in Moroccan diaspora and the houses of wealthy Moroccan families.
Some important things about handmade Moroccan rugs
- Urban Rabat carpets and Moroccan tribal rugs are different from each other.
- You can ask the seller before purchasing the rug that whether it is produced for home or market.
- Azilal is popular for thickly decorated geometric designs.
- Beni Ourain is a tribal group, and it is famous for its neutral rugs formed of undyed wool.
- Tribal rugs were purely gestated as multifunctional patches so that they can be used as bedding in wintertime.
- Traditional dyes are made from natural products like henna is used for orange and brown color, madder and ocher for red color, sumac, saffron and turmeric for yellow color, Tyrian for purple color and indigo for blue color.