The Rich History of Beni Ourain Moroccan Rugs (Our Guide)

Beni Ourain rugs are undeniably amazing options because they fit all types of interiors no matter what style you’re going for. On top of that, these rugs come with an incredible history and culture, giving them that unique look and authenticity that cannot be replicated.

 

Do you have some Moroccan rugs at home, or you’re planning to get one soon? Then you might be wondering where they come from, particularly the Beni Ourain rugs. Well, you’re in the right place because that’s what this post is all about.  Read on and find out the story behind Beni Ourain rugs and why they are very special:

 

Beni Ourain Rugs’ Colorful History

 

The history of the rugs we so love today dates back to the ancient Berber tribes that hail from the Middle Atlas Mountain in Morocco, specifically the Taza region. The sheep that belonged to these tribes have always been known to produce the best wool in the world with the softest texture.

 

In fact, these rugs were originally used as blankets and beds to help people retain warmth during the colder months. They are handwoven by the women of the Beni Ourain tribe, each one a freehand representation of their personal stories and their daily lives. It is for this reason that there are no two Beni Ourain rugs that are exactly the same (at least not the authentic ones). 

Some of them feature symbols that are distinct and represent a specific family, given that the pattern and the technique for making them are passed on from mother to daughter. On top of that, each one is unique and is considered a priceless piece of art, although there are some common themes that are interpreted differently by the Beni Ourain women. Some of those themes include nature, religious belief, fertility and childbirth, rural life, and more. At the same time, the material used is 100% undyed sheep wool.

 

That is why the Moroccan rugs from the Beni Ourain tribe are considered among the most prestigious types that you can find today.

 

Why You Should Have a Beni Ourain Rug in Your Home

 

Not only do Beni Ourain Moroccan rugs look elegant and luxurious, but they are also extremely comfortable because, as mentioned, they are made from the softest wool from some of the best sheep in the world. Once you experience walking on these rugs, you can imagine how it must be like to walk on clouds!

 

These rugs are perfect for those who want a Boho feel in their home and those who want to inject some culture and adventure into the design elements of their home. Given that they are made from undyed sheep wool, they can match any style and décor in the home. Furthermore, there are rugs with monochrome patterns, while others have unique symbols that could be a great conversation starter with your guests. Also, despite their long history and tradition, they can still look modern if that’s what you’re going for.

 

Conclusion

 

Given their rich history and impeccable quality, there’s absolutely no reason for you not to get one or more of these Beni Ourain rugs for your home. Suppose you want to gain the benefits of a unique design and luxurious material. In that case, you have to make sure that what you are getting are real Moroccan rugs that come from the wonderful Beni Ourain tribe sold by reputable sources like Atlas Weavers.

 

Atlas Weavers is your best source for authentic Moroccan rugs in the US that can give your home a new look. Check out our collection today to place your order!

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/the-rich-history-of-beni-ourain-moroccan-rugs-our-guide

5 Great Things You Probably Didn't Know About Moroccan Rugs

Moroccan-style rugs have a rich history and staple look that homeowners may instantly recognize. They’ve grown really popular worldwide for their classic geometric patterns and sunset color story. However, despite countless surges in acclaim and admiration, there’s more to these carpets than what meets the eye. 

It can be a really interesting fact to learn, and collectors might even be surprised about a couple of these. Here are a few things about your Moroccan-style rug.

1. Moroccan Rugs Were Thought to Attract Bad Spirits

There’s no dispute to the fact that Moroccan rugs are truly beautiful. It’s one of the reasons they’re coveted everywhere and easily recognizable. However, some people would have some paranoia about just how pretty a traditional rug was.

Many rug makers were so in awe of their rug that they believed it would attract bad or evil spirits. Superstition wasn’t out of the ordinary at the time, but it was interesting how strongly they believed the Moroccan rugs would bring in unwanted guests. To fix that, makers would be burning the carpet’s edges and affecting its appearance to make sure evil spirits stay away. 

2. Moroccan Rugs Colors Were Influenced by Religion

Most people may recognize Moroccan rugs to come in shades of red, blue, green, and yellow. They also come in neutral colors of white and black. Although this is naturally linked to the culture of Morocco, it’s also been linked to the Islamic religion.

It may come as no surprise to some, considering there were many Muslims in Morocco. If you look at the Muslim prayer rugs used five times daily, you may notice a similar pattern to your traditional Moroccan rug. 

3. Moroccan Rugs Are Available in Different Patterns

The most prominent pattern of Moroccan rugs are probably the zig-zags and lines on top of each other. However, that’s not the only style they can come in. Moroccan rugs can come in all sorts of intricate designs and shapes, with some featuring animals like camels and fish downs or other entities like cupids and dragons. 

4. Moroccan Rugs Are Relatively Easy to Maintain

Many people may fear the worst when it’s time to clean the Moroccan rugs, but it’s going to be just like any other wool, usually when it’s an authentic one. All that’s needed is some cold water and detergent to remove any dust or stain that got on. Baking soda can also be used to get rid of the odors without affecting the color or design of the carpet itself. 

5. Moroccan Rugs Can Cost as Much as $2,500

Authentic Moroccan rugs come in a wide price range that can depend on the size and how vintage a model is. It’s also important to keep in mind that Moroccan rugs do contain sheep wool and are handmade, which is why the price is kept so high. Most rugs can reach up to $2,500, but some antique and rare designs can jack up the price further.

Conclusion 

Learning more about the Moroccan rug can provide food for thought about how complex something like a floor covering can be. It’ll also spark your interest and appreciation for just how much quality goes into the rug.

Want to check out some authentic Moroccan rugs? Atlas Weavers is a fair trade artisan project that supplies premium and real Moroccan decorative rugs worldwide. Order one today!

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/5-great-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-moroccan-rugs

A Closer Look at Moroccan Rugs: Authentic Rugs VS Replicated Rugs

In earlier times, Moroccan rugs were already being made—but it was only during the twentieth century where the rest of the world found out about them. 

The Berber and Arab tribes of Morocco who brought the rugs to life did not rely on outside inspiration to create such fascinating pieces, focusing only on their culture, tradition, and design to birth these beautiful pieces. As a result, the rugs they developed contained a strong reflection of their ancestral influences. The only difference is that the various Moroccan tribes incorporated their own personal touches, including the patterns and dyes they used and the weaves, loops, and knots they created.

Over time, its rising popularity gave consumers a difficult time distinguishing an authentic hand-made rug from those altered carpets made for wholesale production. Keep reading below to find out how to define the authenticity of a Moroccan rug. 

Mass Produced Rugs Vs. Authentic Moroccan Rugs

In today’s modern times, the word Vintage is slowly starting to lose its meaning, at least as far as Moroccan woven rugs are concerned. In fact, there’s a considerable chance that the rugs you see in the market with manufacturers claiming they’re authentic Moroccan rugs aren’t all true.

Plenty of the rugs produced and sold today imitate the look of an actual vintage Moroccan rug. They are washed, chemically aged, faded, and pile cut to mimic the real one. You can even find plenty of pastel and minimal rugs being offered in the market as antique items, with consumers being quick to purchase them on a whim without inspecting the rugs first!

If you’re interested in acquiring legitimate Moroccan rugs, the least you can do is learn about their tribe’s history. Besides weaving rugs out of necessity and passion for the craft, the Berber women did it to spark joy and comfort to what they do best, bringing life to their culture and applying it in their art.  

The Importance of Knowing the Origin of Moroccan Rugs

For those people claiming to sell authentic Moroccan rugs, it’s crucial to learn how they label the carpets accordingly, starting with identifying the right tribe they came from. If shoppers are on the lookout for Beni Ourain rugs and chanced upon a shop selling Beni Mrirt rugs, take note that the two aren’t considered the same!

Unfortunately, “Beni Mrirt” rugs aren’t exactly authentic Moroccan rugs! Mrirt is actually a town found in the Middle Atlas mountains. The use of “Beni,” which means “sons of,” is only applicable for well-established tribes—and those from Mrirt admitted that the Beni Mrirt “branding” was only done to be able to increase their sales! 

Conclusion

Buying vintage rugs takes careful research and decision-making since they are considered an investment for your home or personal space. When choosing a Moroccan rug, it will help to remind yourself of the difference between mass-produced rugs and authentic rugs and know where the rug you’re interested in purchasing originated. That way, you won’t be fooled by vendors claiming to offer vintage rugs but hold incorrect labels!

Are you looking to purchase authentic Moroccan rugs for your living room? Atlas Weavers is a premier supplier of all kinds of authentic Moroccan decorative rugs to suit your needs and preferences, wherever in the world you may be! Browse through our collection to find out what’s in store for you.

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/a-closer-look-at-moroccan-rugs-authentic-rugs-vs-replicated-rugs

About Moroccan Azilal Rugs - A Guide for Amateur Collectors

Collecting various Moroccan rugs can enable you to capture the diverse cultural backgrounds and art trends in the region. One of them worth looking at is the coveted Azilal Rug, a piece with a pattern or design scheme like no other. If you want to begin building up your collection, these woven rugs are a great way to start. Just take note that some care and thought should be considered when you purchase Azilal-made rugs. To be fully oriented, use this guide as your starting point to responsible, wise collecting.  

 

What Are Moroccan Azilal Rugs? 

The Azilal style is one of the more intricate and unique patterns from the Berber rugs. The community of artisans that produce them resides in the Atlas Mountains, which is 112 miles from the nation’s capital, Marrakech. Due to the mountainous terrain, which is ideal for sheep herding, the rugs are made of untarnished sheep’s wool. It is horizontally woven with cotton by utilizing a gridded line of knots. 

 

Most Moroccan rug enthusiasts, collections, and local cultural experts claim that the Azilal carpets are becoming more popularized as they offer a welcome alternative to another well-known style, the Beni Ourain rugs. It is mostly due to the more recent discovery of the Azilal region’s unique textile tribal elements, which were only sold in the collector’s market later into the 20th century. 

Due to the high consumer demand, you can either easily resell them for a better price or beat out more seasoned collectors if you purchase one or two pieces. 

What Is the Azilal Rugs’ Cultural Significance? 

When we think about craftsmanship and innovative products like Azilal rugs, most cultures would often look to men because of their spiritual and narrative aspects. However, that is not the case for these pieces; they are made through proud matriarchs. Women would even pass down the rugs and the weaving tradition to their children in their respective households. 

Each Azilal rug demonstrates a strong woman’s creative prowess, individuality, and deep knowledge of ancestral myths through symbolic depictions. Thus, when you purchase Azilal rugs, you empower cultural legacies to live on in each household. 

How Do I Recognize an Authentic Azilal Rug While Browsing through Different Collections? 

As an amateur collector, it is no easy feat to tell authentic Moroccan rugs apart from fake ones, especially due to the various styles out there. It does take some practice and knowledge to pull off. You should start by getting well acquainted with Boucherouite rugs’ bright colors while giving careful thought to Beni Ourain rugs’ intriguing tribal design. 

A good rule of thumb is to look for geometric woven elements on a white or cream background, but you should be careful of misclassifying rug styles. When all else fails, you can simply rely on online merchants and trusted suppliers who have already differentiated each Moroccan rug style for your convenience. 

How Can I Take Proper Care of My Purchased Azilal Rugs? 

One proper care tip that every Azilal rug collector like you should put into practice is shaking them off properly once every week to eliminate dust and debris. Once done, you can let it sit in the sun, allowing the heat and humidity to remove any harsh pathogens. These methods are far better than vacuuming because most vacuum cleaners destroy the fibers and unravel the knots faster, leading to a worn-out rug. It would be best to get it professionally hand-washed every 3-5 years or when it starts to smell bad. 

Conclusion 

Azilal rugs are an up-and-coming collector’s key to having a range of diverse pieces. They are worthwhile investments and depict the thriving Moroccan culture. Now that you have a better understanding of what you should do when getting your own, put the tips to practice and consider sourcing them from a renowned merchant like us!

Are you looking for authentic Moroccan Azilal rugs and other styles? Check out our range of options at Atlas Weavers. We work through fair trade, use the finest materials, and encourage the local artisans. Through our process, you are assured of high-quality pieces right from the source. Buy yours today! 

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/about-moroccan-azilal-rugs-a-guide-for-amateur-collectors