The carpet is a beautiful element of decoration. It can be solid or multicolored, sober or rich in patterns. The choice is endless, if we consider the possible variations: material of manufacture, color, size, thickness. In addition, the rug is easily installed in any room of the house. It brings softness, warmth and comfort. When it comes to Berber rugs made of wool or cotton, even better. Different Moroccan rugs are at your disposal, all as beautiful as they are stylish. The best known are of Moroccan origin.
THE BERBER CARPET, FROM A RICH AND GENEROUS CULTURE
The manufacture of Berber rugs is the result of a particular way of life, that of the nomadic tribes. The Berbers define themselves as free men, noble men or Imazighen. In the singular, Berber is called an Amazigh. Several tribes are united under this designation, the Atlas region being large enough for this traveling people.
Women were in charge of several activities, one of which was weaving . The goods of each family included tents, rugs, which the women made. They also wove the clothes and all the family linen. From this itinerant life, with camps erected during the trip, know-how has developed. The use of wool from sheep made it possible to make long-pile, soft and fluffy rugs . This minimal comfort is essential for lying down or sitting on the floor. The use of dye of vegetable origin made it possible to create beautiful patterns adorning the carpet.
Other ways of making rugs are also known, using cotton, or rope, and recycling fabric scraps . The result is simply magnificent, opening up vast horizons to the world of travel. Today, several tribes derive their income from the making of Berber rugs .
THE WONDERFUL DIVERSITY OF BERBER CARPETS
In addition to the colors, the length of the woolen threads, the clothing technique have also diversified. The rugs are named after their region and tribe of origin. Each has its own manufacturing method.
Beni Ouarain, Azilal, Zanafi, Boucherouite and Kilim rugs
The Beni Ouarain rug comes from the region of the same name, located in the Middle Atlas. Beni Ouarain designates 17 tribes from this region, which have become sedentary. They practice agriculture and the breeding of Marmoucha sheep. The women make the Berber carpet with the wool of these sheep. The whiteness of this wool characterizes Beni Ouarain rugs, with long and thick hair . Very large diamond patterns , woven with black wool, adorn these rugs.
The Azilal carpet comes from the High Atlas, it is made by the weavers of the Azilal tribe. It also has a white background , smeared with geometric lines of bright colors. This carpet is less creamy than the Beni Ouarain.
The Zanafi carpet was originally used for transporting belongings (rice, cereals) specific to the itinerant life of the tribe of the same name. It is characterized by the delicacy of the weaving, the geometric patterns , the more or less varied colors.
The Boucherouite rug returns to thickness and colors. Made with scraps of cotton fabric , it offers the softness of the Berber carpet and the bright colors of the patchwork .
The Kilim rug offers softness and thickness. It is rich in color too, with diamond patterns .
Manufacturing techniques and materials
The Berber weavers use generation transmitted weaving techniques to generation.
The basic clothing includes the preparation of the wool (washing, cutting), the laying of threads on the loom , the actual weaving, which consists of tying each strand one by one. Then, the carpet is the subject of a final washing, for the finishing touches. The making of Kilim includes a flat weaving technique , instead of knotting the woolen threads.
The Beni Ouarain and Azilal are mainly made of wool. Cotton is used when weaving Berber rugs, especially for Boucherouite and Zanafi rugs. Sometimes cotton is also used to introduce colors in Beni Ouarain or Azilal rugs. Boucherouite rugs include the weaving of ends of fabrics, in cotton and in various colors.
FIND THE BEST BERBER CARPET FOR EVERY MOMENT
The Berber carpet and offer diversity in every respect. You can install it in any room of your house, according to the need of your decoration. In a pared-down style living room , the sober colors of Beni Ouarain can blend perfectly. But you can also opt for Beni Ouarain rugs in a flashy decoration, to balance the tones.
A child’s room will appreciate the bright colors of the Boucherouite, Azalil or Kilim rugs. Just like a bohemian decor . Between these two extremes, the pragmatic Zanafi offers finesse, sobriety and solidity. It could be installed in a passing place, such as the hallway, or in a decor with a rustic style.
If we are talking about the season, the Beni Ouarain rug is ideal for warming up on cold days. Its long soft and warm hairs are comforting. By its light color, the Beni Ouarain carpet was also originally used to bring freshness in Berber tents. Its thickness always ensures insulating qualities to this carpet.
During the beautiful season, you can decorate your interior with Zanafi, Boucherouite or Kilim rugs. Flat, thin or thick enough, the Berber carpet of your choice matches your interior according to your inspiration.
Carpets are everywhere. Obviously, they are part of the contemporary way of life. Decorative , useful, simply beautiful and soft to live in, the rugs can also be placed outside, on the terrace , or in the grass, during a picnic. With the Berber rugs, you can practice all these activities.