All About the Amazing Beni Ourain Rug
Nomadic Wonder : All About the Amazing Beni Ourain Rug
Beni Ourain rugs are Moroccan rugs with a long history. Nomadic tribes created them by hand, weaving them out of materials they found in nature. If you appreciate the value of nomadic art, you will undoubtedly be interested in its intricacies. They are not only beautiful but also have many cultural connections with nature. The unique designs of these rugs result from the beautiful weaving process that nomadic tribes use.
Basically, they are named after the Beni Ourain tribes that hail from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The word “Ourain” is a word in the Berber's language and comes from the name of a tribe that was known for their nomadic lifestyle. People from this tribe often traveled from one area to another with their wool, as border rug weaving was not the primary source of income for these tribes. Instead, the wool was used for other purposes, such as bedding and burial shrouds. Over time, the wool also began to be used for saddle blankets.
As their history tells us, the Berbers tribes began their language in the southern part of Morocco, where they inhabited. Therefore, the language itself is a Berber dialect. In fact, this tribe has been known as the first tribe ever to occupy Morocco. Interestingly enough, the history of the rug goes back as far as the 5th century AD and through to the 11th century.
Who Designs and Makes the Rugs?
As previously mentioned, the Beni Ourain rugs are made from wool. People in the tribe tend to use materials from nature to manufacture these rugs. For example, they use wool from sheep and goat hair. The patterns of these rugs are also artistic in nature, often implementing the Berber tribal weaving style.
What is the Meaning of the Colors?
When looking at a Beni Ourain rug, you’ll notice that it comprises many colors. The colors are not randomly placed on the rug; rather, they have a deeper meaning. This is mainly because the rugs were made by nomadic tribes who had no idea what art really was. Thus, they merely used the designs that they knew.
For instance, the white on the rug signifies purity. This is why they use white to symbolize the night sky, the moon, and the snow. Similarly, there is a color pattern that is made up of geometric shapes. These shapes are part of the tradition in their culture. Evidently, the shapes are very intricate and challenging to make.
Other cultural symbols also grace these rugs. For example, you’ll find a symbol representing the sun and its reflection in the snow. In addition, there is also a symbol for the sun that is made up of two triangles.
The future of the Beni Ourain rugs
All in all, the future of the Beni Ourain rugs is bright. In the last couple of years, they have gained popularity in the west. These rugs have been featured in various media, including movies and TV shows.
In addition, the rugs have been featured in several art shows and galleries. In fact, a documentary on these rugs will be screened in Morocco. According to design and decor experts, they are likely to become even more popular, as some of their pieces are going mainstream.
Conclusion
Overall, the history of these rugs makes them even more attractive. They have been around for centuries and are still being made by the nomadic tribes of today.
Valued for their intricate designs and patterns, many people find them filling up their exteriors, being used as a decorative piece in any room of the house, in the bedroom, the living room, and even the kitchen. Due to their ability to fit any theme or design, they are as relevant as ever and are currently in demand amongst many home stylists. That is the eventual modern impact of Beni Ourain rugs.
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