This piece is from a beautiful collective of women artisans just outside of Tazenakht.

Mlouka, the matriarch of the collective, has passed the art of weaving down to her daughters, daughters-in-law, cousins, and villagers. As she is getting older, her daughter Naima & Fatima (pictured) have stepped in to oversee the teaching process.

This piece is made from all 100% live wool which was carded, brushed and spun by the ladies in the association and is all hand-dyed using local spices, vegetables and herbs.

In more traditional vintage rug design, the symbolism is often a wish or depiction of the artisan’s life. These days, the next generation of artisans finds inspiration in other sources, like the natural landscapes around them. 

For example, the wave-like symbols represent a sickle—a symbol of respect in the Berber culture, the far right shapes represents spiders and frogs—symbolic of fertility and magic.

--technical details
Size: 3.9 x 6.8 ft (1.2 x 2 m)
Rug Style: Hand-Knot
Pile: Small
Materials: 100% live sheep wool, natural and spice dyes