Shopping for an Authentic Hand-Crafted Moroccan Rug: A True Investment in Artistry and Culture
Shopping for an authentic hand-crafted Moroccan rug is not merely about adding a decorative feature to your home; it is an investment in artistry and cultural history. These astonishing rugs are revered for their distinctive designs, precise craftsmanship, and exceptional cultural significance. Whether you are a long-time rug lover or a newbie, it is important to have a solid understanding of what a genuine handmade Moroccan rug looks like. The following article offers a concise guide on how to identify an authentic example of these astounding creations, and make a purchase every bit as beautiful as it is authentic .
* Understand the Origins
Authentic Moroccan rugs are produced by the indigenous Berber tribes of Morocco. Each tribe has its own style, colours, and techniques, which have often been passed down for generations. Learn key phrases such as Beni Ourain, Kilim, and Azilal, and note which rug corresponds to which area or tribe. Each rug and its tribe form an important part of Moroccan heritage, a necessary element of the history and people of Morocco.
* Examine the Materials
Genuine Moroccan rugs are made from natural materials, most commonly high quality wool. In certain regions, camel hair or goat hair will be used by the artisans themselves. Real wool should feel luxuriously soft and yet sturdy, often still containing the natural oils with which traditional craftsmanship oils their wool to give it its characteristic shine and lasting wear. Be careful to be wary of rugs made of synthetic fibers, as they are not representative of true Moroccan products.
* Check the Weaving
Handwoven rugs in Morocco have some characteristics that demonstrate their real product status. These rugs should show some degree of irregularity in their weave. Perhaps that the edges are not entirely straight, or the patterns are not quite repeating consistently. This slightly ‘rough’ weaving shows that the rug was woven by hand and gives it additional character over its otherwise identical mass-produced counterparts.
4. Search for Authentic Dyeing Techniques
The vibrant and lively colors of authentic Moroccan rugs are produced using traditional Moroccan dyeing techniques. These dyes are derived from natural plants and minerals; ergo, these rugs will create a soft, organic look with well orchestrated colors. If the dyes are too bright or spotlessly uniform, that particular rug could be made using synthetic dye. However, that kind of dye lacks the depth and multidimensionality of natural dyes. According to this source, true Moroccan rugs are still generally made using age-old natural dyeing practices.
5. Review the Knotting
The way a Moroccan rug is knotted is the most genuine and straightforward way to figure out if a particular rug is authentic or not. In Moroccan culture, each tribe has developed a weaving pattern, and exploring the underside of the rug, it should be relatively even, it should have the imperfections compared to the uniformity of the machine-made plush mini suede rugs from the real Moroccan rugs collection. This slightly “out of place” look is only visible on the authentic design and serves as a tell-tale feature of a product being hand-made, not mass-produced.
6. Check the Integrity of the Finish
Overall, both the finish and the overall look of a rug should speak to its handmade quality and slightly rough, uneven, and tribal look. As such, only hand-made rugs have a slightly rough, uneven finish and authentic tribal appearance to them.
7. Consult with Experts
If you’re still not sure if a particular rug is authentic, read up on the subject, and check whether its physical and online vendor has a positive reputation. Make sure to request that a vendor would provide you with a documentation certificate introducing the testimonial as of the rug’s place of origin, the original design, the used materials, and details of craftsmanship.
Conclusion
As we have learned in this guide, a real hand-crafted Moroccan rug is defined by its origins, craftsmanship, the materials used to make it, and a host of other subtle signs that differentiate real art from something that came off a factory belt. By sticking to the things to look for, you are certainly buying a true piece of Moroccan culture to add culture, homeliness and style to your room. Browse through a selection of real hand-woven Moroccan rugs and find the one that most appeals to your tastes and the style of your home.
