Handwoven rugs have always stood as a pillar in the Amazigh (Berber) tradition. While various Moroccan tribes hold different designs and schemes—The Beni Ourain tribe, for example, is best known for its combination of thick textures and distinctive diamond patternings. Amazigh rugs can be found on everything, from traditional to more contemporary designs.
Berber Peoples Mastering the Art of Handweaving
The majority of Moroccan Berber weavers live in remote areas and for a long time had not had the resources, nor the technology to sell their rugs on a global scale. But that’s all changing now. With the rise of e-commerce and social media, it’s easier than ever to find authentic Amazigh-owned rugs. The Berber rug scene has grown and expanded rapidly. Now, one can find everything from authentic tribal handmade rugs—the through-line being that the women weavers continue to carry on a sense of sustainability and eco-mindedness while honoring their tribe’s unique customs and tradition.
For a lot of good reasons, there’s no better time to get to know the wonderful rugs of the Amazigh peoples than now. Rugs like Beni Ourain, for instance, are fusing luxurious textures with traditional diamonds. Mrirt, Boujaad, and Boucherouitte on the other hand are offering seductive visuals of well-balanced palettes and motifs. Other rug tribes like Tazenakht are proving that traditional designs can still be contemporary.
