Walking Through the Past: The History and Uniqueness of Moroccan Berber Rugs
Moroccan rugs are all the rage when it comes to interior designing. It comes in various shapes and sizes, with labels following it everywhere—bohemian, vintage, rustic, it fits just about any category! The increased demand for these Moroccan rugs can easily break into the six figures, as people clamor over getting their hands on these intricate pieces.
Although undeniably well deserving of such global recognition, Moroccan rugs are imbued with pages of lost history, culture, and traditions. Even with mass production to rival its demand, the economically produced rugs remain the top-of-mind for most consumers.
The inherent value of these rugs comes from the weaver, and each piece has been developed by whim, skill, and utter instruction by ancestral traditions. The weavings come with stories untold, filled with symbolism and meanings.
And that’s exactly what makes the consumption ironic—people praise the design but find no further meaning in them, so today, we seek to recount the stories untold. We take a look into history, techniques, and everything that makes Moroccan Berber rugs unique.
#1: The Tireched plant
Moroccan Berber rug designs weren’t made with chemicals—they’ve been made with what’s available, which means that the designs come from the humble beginnings of a plant. It’s called Tireched, a plant backed with 25,000 years of history. Its use involves a technique that has been passed from generation to generation.
The Berber families used the Tireched plant as a form of bleach, which whitens the wool and other areas of the rug. They believe that this imbues purity to the rug, a tradition that is heavily regarded in the Berber families.
#2: Snow cleaning
Generations of Berber families live in cold seasons, which has also given rise to their need for rugs. These families also rely on freshwater that comes from the mountains, which helps keep them clean and well-fed.
With only the freshwater as their water source, discovering that snow can clean their rugs and wedding blankets became such a joy for the families. They use fresh and dry snow, where they allow a covered rug or blanket to remain outside for a couple of hours. This is an important step, as the rug needs to get cold all throughout. After a couple of hours, they’ll sweep off the snow and cover it again, until the rugs are clean.
#3: Weaving techniques
Moroccan rugs have always been an authentic expression of tradition and technique. Each beautiful rug has been made with an array of symbols, woven together with a delicate choice of colors. They’re complex and time-consuming, requiring extensive skill, hard work, and a strong penchant for creativity.
These rugs, intricate though they are, are made on simple looms. They’re arranged either horizontally or vertically on the ground, which allows them to be carried from place to place. Berber families sleep on these rugs, as they are designed to withstand cold and harsh conditions. In other words, authentic Moroccan rugs are not just decorative—the weaving techniques have been created as a way of life.
The Bottom Line: What do Moroccan rugs teach us?
The world has finally realized the wonders of Moroccan rugs. They’re used to tie in decor, improve spaces, and overall become a symbol of a well-designed room. While love for all things beautiful and creative is admirable, Moroccan rugs come with a rich history that needs to be heard—it was created by the Moroccans and for the Moroccans.
Everything about Moroccan rugs is rooted firmly in nature. Designs were made from techniques using plants like the Tireched, a natural bleach discovered by the Berber tribes. They’ve been cleaned using snow, made from the inspiration gathered from their surroundings, and woven for protection.
There’s more to Moroccan rugs than just meets the eye. Filled with rich history and culture, it’s a piece that will make your homes not just aesthetically pleasing, but meaningful.
For authentic, story-driven Moroccan rugs, we’re the place to be. Our products come directly from the weavers themselves, guaranteeing authenticity and meaning. Get yours today!