The art of Moroccan rug making is a centuries-old tradition that is deeply rooted in the country’s vast array of culture and heritage. Over time, artisans have passed down the generations, creating handwoven masterpieces with precise and intricate patterns, bright and eye-catching colors, and supreme quality. Moroccan rugs are entities in their right that bear witness to the remarkable work of Moroccan artisans and serve as shining examples of the beauty of the Moroccan art of carpet weaving. However, one might wonder why the usual act of making carpets is considered art in the region and how such a reverence for the process and the art project is possible. The history of the Moroccan rug offers some compelling answers to the question.
History
The history of the Moroccan rug and its significance can be traced back to the Berber people, who inhabited Morocco long before the Arab invasion. At first, the practical use of carpets was more important, serving to give warmth and protect from cold for the home and insulation and comfort. At that time, the carpets that were made by the Berber people told a story, giving a glimpse into the culture of the regions and the identity of the people who made them. Afterward, the manufacturing process was greatly refined, and the product was widely used and traded. Meanwhile, traditional rug-making processes are still used today, including using the Berber node, providing the highest quality and beauty while ensuring that this secret is devoted only to the next generation of craftsmen. The basis for making rugs is durable wool. High-quality wool is refined from sheep that graze in the highlands of the Atlas. In certain destinations or to create different textures, silk or cotton addition for Moroccan wool is possible. In measurements, wool is washed, spread, and spun into a yarn.
The Art of Weaving
A Moroccan rug is an exquisite piece of art that requires effort and time to be produced. To start, the artisan has to prepare the yarn and then adjust it to the loom, a large frame that helps to hold the material and protects it from tearing. Afterward, the artisan uses different weaving techniques to place every thread and create specific patterns. The Berber knot, which is considered to be one of the most durable, is the most commonly applied method. Finally, the artisan tweaks every detail of the product and sews the resulting composition by hundreds of hand-tied knots across the material thanks to doing this every day, the whole process could last for several months or even years.
The Beauty of Moroccan Rugs
The color scheme of a Moroccan rug is what distinguishes it from other products. The presence of simple patterns or random items depends on the purpose of the rug and the tribe they market is intended for. First, every pattern has its meaning related to the history and stories of a tribe, and each simple image could remind the local people of a specific issue or tell how the most important members of the community lived. Finally, many as-so-is-breaking and could be shocking today. Second, the bright colors and the use of natural paint make a Moroccan rug special and even ridiculous, which could help to produce bright items to be used along with the simplest things.
The Importance of Moroccan Rug Workshops and Cooperatives
Although a rug could be bought in a local market and it could be homemade, by a single artisan, or a member of the family, this is usually a product of one of the numerous rug workshops that can be found throughout the whole territory of Morocco. Many of these artisans join cooperatives to sell their pro-ducts and to support each other. As a result, cooperatives help to save rug weaving by organizing the life of the artisans and providing them with the minimum innovations they need, which could be too expensive or unattainable for a single person or a small group. Thus, by purchasing rugs in these cooperatives, buyers help to implement a fair artisan business.
Selecting a Moroccan Rug
When you buy Moroccan rug, you do not simply buy home decor item – you invest into a piece of history. Moroccan rug is versatile, which makes it suitable for every decor style from minimalistic to bohemian. Whether it is the finest wool rug from the mountains or the permeated with natural colors elegant vintage piece – any Moroccan rug will bring its magical touch to any space.
Supporting Moroccan Artisans
Moroccan rug is not only a purchase, but the opportunity to support the artisans, who seek to preserve their craft history. If you decide to buy a handwoven rug you will have a chance to contribute not only to your interior design with a beautiful, authentic piece of art, but to the preservation of Moroccan craftsmen heritage.
In conclusion, Moroccan rug is not just a home decor item – it is a fascinating mixture of history, crafts and cultural identity. Whether you choose Moroccan carpet because of its brightness, patterns or their history, the rug will be suitable for every home style and will bring a piece of the past to your living space.
