Handwoven Moroccan rugs have long been an important part of the Berber heritage. While different tribes have varied designs/schemes and methods behind weaving—for example, the Beni Ouarain tribe is well renowned for its blend of dense textures and striking diamond patterns, Berber rugs can be seen in a variety of settings, from minimalist to more modern interiors.

Le Corbusier is most known for introducing his fellow modernists to Amazigh weaving methods. As a result, these shag fabrics, which were accessible in large quantities and were considerably simpler in form and composition, were popular all over the world.

Mastering the Art of Handweaving

Moroccan Berber rugs are charmed with longevity; Whether it's traditional or modern weaves, rural women weavers in Morocco's High Atlas Mountains approach their production process in the same way that their ancestors did: with mutual regard and respect for nature and the land in which they live and thrive in. As a consequence of the rural community's cooperative approach of using only locally sourced organic materials, crafting prized treasures, made-to-order rugs, and even recycling scraps or fabrics into brand-new textiles, their area rugs are totally eco-friendly and biodegradable.

Women weavers have been crafting Moroccan shag rugs entirely by hand for generations. They often adorned themselves with their own version of rugs in pre-history and before the concept of rugs we all know today was born, crafting them via a detailed process of patience, technique, and a whole lot of imagination.

Tradition Vs Modernization

Today, a new generation of weavers is taking up the trade that has been passed down through centuries and modernizing it. Their work eventually preserves their culture's traditions while demonstrating that weavers can break off from their tribe's individual signatures and make items that are just as fashionable. It's one way to keep connected to where they come from, and another to stay faithful to the craft's eternal traditions.

How is E-Commerce Helping the Handweaving Craft?

The bulk of Berber weavers reside in distant places and have long lacked the tools and technology needed to sell handmade Moroccan area rugs on a worldwide scale. But all of that is changing today. With the development of e-commerce and social media, finding real Berber-owned rugs is simpler than ever. The Berber rug scene has swiftly risen and expanded. Authentic tribal handmade rugs are now available, with the common thread being that the women weavers maintain a sense of sustainability and eco-consciousness while honoring their tribe's distinct customs and culture behind this sacred tradition.

 There is no better time than now to learn about the beautiful Moroccan shag rug for a variety of reasons. Rugs such as Beni Ouarain, for example, combine sumptuous textures with classic patterns. Mrirt, Boujaad, and Boucherouitte rugs, on the other hand, present attractive images with well-balanced hues and themes. Other rug tribes, such as Tazenakht rugs, are demonstrating that traditional patterns may still be modern.