Race, Ethnicity, Culture or Religion (Rug Shopping)

       

When I went rug shopping in Fes recently, I became even more fascinated with these beautiful fabrics when the dealer, Ali, gave me information about their cultural importance. These carpets are more than simply floor coverings in Morocco; they are living relics, each with its own history. Made by women from many tribes, they stand for empowerment, tradition, and legacy. According to Ali, a sizeable percentage of rug sales revenue goes toward supporting the Moroccan women who made the rugs, which gives the rugs' exquisite craftsmanship an emotional touch.

Moroccan-style carpets have characteristic high piles and a luscious softness. They are mostly made of wool. They are highly sought-after for both usefulness and ornament since, in contrast to their counterparts, they have patterns that are both tidy and soothing.

Moroccan rugs have their roots in Northern Africa and the Sahara, where Berber women woven them around 622 AD. These rugs, which were handed down through the years and represented tradition and artistry, graced palaces and hallowed areas. Later, expert artisans such as the Beni Ourain tribe used wool from Atlas mountain sheep and occasionally camel hair. Craftsmen were influenced by an interesting tradition to burn the edges of these rugs to ward off evil spirits.

Moroccan rugs are historical treasures that each have the cultural fingerprint of the tribe who made them. These carpets exhibit versatility and tradition, from the thickness of the weave, which is adapted for different climates, to the adaptable sizes that suit nomadic lifestyles. Expertly crafted by hand by women, these rugs convey complex narratives using symbolic languages and personal accounts, guaranteeing that no two are alike.

   

 

LawrenceofLaBrea. (n.d.). The Ultimate Guide to Moroccan Style Rugs from the Experts. Lawrence of La Brea. https://www.lawrenceoflabrea.com/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-moroccan-style-rugs-from-the-experts