What Do the Berber Symbols on Your Moroccan Rug Mean?
Moroccan rugs are a significant part of Moroccan heritage because they are deeply intertwined with Berber culture. The traditional designs, craftsmanship, and materials used in Moroccan rugs are borrowed from Berber culture. Even after centuries, Moroccan woven rugs still hold an important place in Moroccan heritage because of their rich history and cultural significance.
Many do not know that Moroccan rugs were often used to communicate mystical, societal, and conceptual messages.
The ancient Berber tribes were very creative in their design of rugs. They used various colors and patterns that were unique to their tribe. The rugs served many purposes for the tribe members. They not only provided physical protection from the elements, but they also provided spiritual protection. The carpets were also used to send subtle social or political messages. They even depicted relationships between males and females.
We can learn a lot about a culture by studying the symbols that were important to them. Berber rugs can be an effective source of information because they often incorporate a wide variety of symbols that were important to the people who made them:
Common Symbols in a Berber Rug
Barley
This symbol, shown as a rectangle filled in a light and darkness pattern, symbolizes fertility.
Bird
The symbol of a bird on a Moroccan rug looks like a cross composed of intersecting rectangles. This represents baraka- a divine power believed to be capable of warding off misfortune and bringing in good luck.
Eye
The evil eye is represented on Berber rugs by a diamond-shaped pattern. The deflector of evil is the cross found at the center of the "eye" and the arrows around its edges.
Fish Skeletons
A symbol for a holy person with magical and medicinal skills, fish skeletons are often shown as a vertical line that intersects with a column of Chevrons.
Finger
The finger, resembling a tic-tac-toe board, or a hashtag, is also a symbol of protection.
Frog
If you see a diamond design with smaller diamonds both at the top and bottom, it's a frog on a rug. Two legs typically extend from either side. This design symbolizes fertility and magical rites.
Scissors
The shape X, a symbol of metal workers, shows respect for metal. These crosses can be joined together to achieve a geometric pattern.
Are These Symbols Always Present on Moroccan Rugs?
Moroccan rugs are often adorned with beautiful symbols and patterns. But are these symbols always present?
No, not all Moroccan rugs feature symbols. In fact, many of them are pretty simple in design. However, it is not uncommon for Moroccan rugs to feature symbols that have special meanings.
Other symbols sometimes seen on Moroccan rugs include animals, plants, and geometric shapes. These symbols can have a variety of meanings, from good luck to fertility.
Conclusion
Moroccan woven rugs are a beautiful and unique way to add a touch of luxury to your home or business. However, they can be pretty expensive. If you are looking to purchase a Moroccan rug, it is essential to understand the different symbols that are often used in their design. This will help you choose the right rug for your space.
Atlas Weavers is your trusted source of the highest-quality Moroccan woven rugs. Find some of the symbols you learned here today on the next rug you're purchasing. Choose a rug with a design that's unique and matches your personality.