Time and time again, the Moroccan Berber rugs receive the recognition for the vivid colors, detailed and ornamental patterns. In the modern world, these woven carpets are a fine touch of authentic Moroccan design in the houses of many architects and designers all around the globe. Let’s take a closer look at these woven carpets, their history, and symbolism, as well as finding out, why it peaked the interest of so many people.

 The Atlas Mountains, a cradle of the Berber weaving tradition

 The home of the Berber weaving tradition and, by extension, produced Moroccan Berber rugs, is the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The women of the rural communities pass down the skills and techniques to their daughters, and the patterns mix abstract geometry and social symbols with the history of the country. Typically, Moroccan Berber rugs tell a story about the life of their owners, containing the locally-specific patterns of the animals they see daily and the tribal symbols they are associated with. Traditionally, the Berber people are a tribe of nomads, wandering through the mountains and the desert. The intricately woven carpets are not just a craft but an equally important source of income for these communities. Because of that, the Berber wool rugs are both practical for daily use and important to the culture and tradition of the people who produce them.

Moroccan Rug Designs: A Cultural Heritage

Moroccan Berber rugs are quite rich and various in styles. While it is not a complete list of Berber rug types, we will take a look at some of the most popular categories.

 Beni Ouarain Berber Rugs

 Beni Ouarain rugs are among the most well-known handwoven rugs worldwide. These Moroccan wool rugs are simple and consist of geometric designs. They are often made in neutral colors – the varying shades of white, complemented by ochre or gray. Beni Ouarain rugs are perfect for modern and traditional interiors, which is why they are a staple of Moroccan interior decor.

 Boujad Berber Rugs

 Boujad Berber rugs are a vibrant and exciting variety of the carpet. These rugs are distinguished by bright shades of pink, red, or orange, and no two rugs are alike. The rugs can have random geometric designs and squares and boast a sort of haphazard creativity that reveals the soul of the Boujad weaver. Boujad rugs compose a delightful mix of rustic tradition and creative rebellion and can become a vintage accent in any room.

 Taznakht Berber Rugs

 Taznakht rugs are sophisticated and can be recognized by their symbols and tribal patterns. The designs can also include images of buildings, triangles, and zigzags, and the most common colors are dark yellow, orange, or red. Taznakht rugs can add elegance and a touch of history to any room.

 Beni Mguild Berber Rugs

 Beni Mguild rugs are known for being particularly thick and ornately knotted – in fact, they are typically used as blankets in the cold winter season of the Middle Atlas region. The carpets have geometric designs and are usually of ochre and red. Beni Mguild rugs are known for being particularly lush to the touch.

Boucherouite Rugs

These unique items are 100% made of recycled fabrics and broken textiles and are a representation of sense of freedom and fun characteristic of these Moroccan artisans. On one hand, some people even could find the disturbing feeling while looking at the chaotic design of boucherouite. On the other hand, it can serve as the vibrant addition to the room. Anyway, there are no two similar boucherouite rugs, which makes them even more attractive.

 Touareg Mat Rugs

The next type of rug is toureg mats. As it is woven by the nomadic tribes from the Sahara, it is made of palm fibers and leather. Often it has some tribal patterns or symbols. Being tough, it can be a perfect match for outdoor and indoor conditions. At the same time, being connected to the culture of the Moroccan nomads, it is durable and aesthetic.

 The Enduring Appeal of Berber Moroccan Rugs

These rugs are not simply the beautiful item to protect the floors, they are the representation of culture and tradition of Morocco. Every single rug of this type tells the story of the Moroccan artisans from Beni Ouarain to Boucherouite. Being universal by providing the designs to match any house style, these rugs are pretty historical.