The most recent addition to Babakech Rugs' collection comes from the far reaches of the Beni Ourain region, where the loin loom distinguishes textiles from the rest of the country's weaving tradition. Sourced from a collective of women weavers who pass their craft down from generation to generation, the Beni Ourain rug strikes a perfect balance between timeless styling and traditional technique that embodies the distinguishing character of our rugs.
The Beni Ourain region stretches across the Middle Atlas mountains in the rugged terrain of east Fes. The area excels in providing natural materials that are sourced to make the Beni Ourain rug, and thanks to the masterful skills of local weavers and a little bit of collective organizing power, the traditional textiles of the region are making a new mark on the global marketplace.
Beni Ourain's master female weavers Handmake beautiful rugs that reimagine traditional designs by finding versatility in the simplicity of their looms.
No matter how popular Beni Ourain rugs are, at the end of the day, It's a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges for the rural weavers. On the bright side, the demand for their rugs has skyrocketed in recent years, which means more income. They're making bank by setting up cooperatives, selling their rugs internationally, and making sure they get fair prices. It's like a carpet revolution! However, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. Some weavers still struggle to get the dough they deserve. They face hurdles like getting loans, knowing the best markets to tap into, and dealing with cheap knock-offs that flood the market.
Our partner cooperative's values align with our mission to revive the art of handmade and support sustainable micro-economies from seed to stitch. The natural dyes used on the all-natural wool yarns are completely harmless to the environment and the people who work with them. The timeless designs will never go out of style and will complement any modern decor. Being a part of the cooperative guarantees the weavers a steady and healthy income, allowing them to pursue weaving professionally. We fell in love with these beautiful, functional rugs at first sight, and our love grew deeper as we learned more about them, and we're excited to allow you to do the same.
