A Purchasing Guide to Authentic Moroccan Rugs

There are some items that go far beyond interior decor. These are items that are more aligned with works of art than with pieces of furniture. This can certainly be said for the rugs that are woven in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. These are created by craftsmen who have been perfecting this trade for longer than you can imagine. These rugs are as much a part of their cultural history as recovered artifacts. Each one of these rugs are handwoven and tells a story. Everyone is different and unique to the person who created it. For a long time, it was very difficult to purchase or own one of these works of art. This is because they are a deeply personal creation, in the process is extremely difficult. Over the last few decades, the Internet has made it possible to purchase some of these rugs. Many of them are made to order and still handcrafted using only traditional methods.

It’s amazing to realize that so many diverse products can come out of one area. Each region around the High Atlas Mountains produces its own special type of woven work. Some are extremely rare, and each one represents a certain level of insight into their culture. Understanding these rugs is every bit as important as preserving them. This is a genuine part of someone’s history, and they deserve to be treated as such. Keep in mind that purchasing one of these rugs doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be made to your specifications. If you’re truly interested in an authentic product made by a real artist, and you’re going to have to accept their influence on the end product. This is especially important with things that are made to depict a life story.

When deciding to purchase one of these handmade rugs, it’s important to know where you’re getting it from. An Azilal rug can look very different than one made in another region. There are different methods and materials used, and understanding this is paramount to the buying process. These are just a few of the different types of rugs that you can consider:

Azilal Rugs

These are incredibly soft rugs made entirely from virgin wool. The colors come from natural dyes, and every portion of the rug has the artisan’s touch. They are made completely by hand, and this includes all of the knotting and weaving. This particular rug is fantastic for colder climates and can be used almost as a blanket in some instances. Everyone is unique, in they are a direct reflection of the person who made them.

Boucherouite Rugs

This translates into rag rugs. The design is truly unique to the Moroccan area, and often features hundreds and thousands of scraps of wool. Traditionally, the rugs were made of any type of fabric scraps that could be found. Now, they can be made to order using only wool scraps. These are all woven back together into a beautiful pattern. These rugs make up some of the most complex and vivid designs anywhere in the entire world.

Vintage Beni Ourain Rugs

These rugs are often considered heirloom pieces because of how well they stand the test of time. The majority of these carpets will be in natural colors. These particular weavers often avoid dyes, and use traditional black, white, and brown wool to weave geometric patterns into the surface of the carpet. Each line and knot are representative of another part of the weaver’s life. Traditional patterns will be geometric, and will sometimes mimic the natural flow of the land. These are incredibly unique, and will always be one of a kind piece.