Berber Moroccan Rug
Where do Berber Moroccan Rugs Come From?
As their name suggests, the Berber Moroccan rugs are from the northern African nation of Morocco and they are long thought of as the finest folk art rugs in the world. They have been in existence since the 600s (7th century CE), and have always been made by the tribal people known as the Berbers (also the Beni Ourain). Crafted exclusively by the women of the tribes, their techniques, patterns, and colors are trade secrets passed on through the generations.
Made for use as blankets, flooring, horse covers and more, they soon became popular outside of the tribes and provided a source of income.
What Berber Moroccan Rugs are Made Of
Since the tribes raise particularly fine sheep, they use the wools of the animals to craft the gorgeous rugs. They also rely almost entirely on vegetable dyes, making them some of the earth friendly rugs in the world. It is also possible to find some rugs made of camel hair. Historically, most weavers burned the edges of the rugs to ward away evil spirits, and this practice may still be found in some modern rugs.
They are woven from hand spun wool and rely heavily on symbolic figures, stripes and geometric patterns. Some experts can tell where a rug was made based on its loops, knots and other specifics. The finer the wool, the more likely that the rug was also meant for home use, i.e. as flooring or bedding.
How to Care for Berber Moroccan Rugs
The dense weaving and construction techniques of Berber Moroccan rugs can make them nearly impervious to dirt and debris, but this can also allow for stains to be absorbed and locked into the fabric. If you’re fortunate enough to own Berber Moroccan rugs, taking good care of them is important.
At NYCleaners, we specialize in vintage and heirloom rugs and can help you to ensure that your Berber Moroccan rug looks great for many years to come.
