Interesting Stories about Symbols Found On the Berber Rug

For some time now, many tales have been told through the use of symbols. Tribal life allows the mind to focus on what really matters. Repeated symbols are not unusual either, usually because there's a particular importance to them. When it comes to minimalist design, repetitive symbols are a focus on the vital.

 

 

Berber Rugs

These woven rugs make use of magic symbolism in their otherwise minimalist design. It is what gives them an appeal that's unique. Every single one has a desire from the weaver for the human spirit to have protection from negative energy. There is also a weaver's desire carried by the rug for the human body to have a shield from the elements. No matter how they're used (wall decor or on the floor), they are essentially works of art that double as talismans. Each Moroccan Berber rug has a different story to tell that is uniquely its own. 

Symbolism

With the passage of time, many symbols have lost their meaning over time. Many weavers have passed certain designs and motifs to their grandchildren and children. However, commercialization has set in and many sources produce Berber-inspired rugs without knowing the meanings behind the symbols they learned to wave. Berber designs were deeply personal, even in instances that depicted tribal beliefs and traditions. 

Keeping that in mind, interpretation must be done with caution. Especially since there is a long route to take in order to translate or understand certain designs. This involves gaining a deep understanding of various tribes' legends, songs, and cultures. Aside from rugs, Berbers also use symbolism in tattoos.

In Morocco, one way of storytelling is through Berber rugs. Each one is designed with the aforementioned weaver's desires: shelter from the elements for the human body, protection for the human spirit. Even the Berber's colors have a story to tell:

• Blue - Used to convey wisdom
• Green - Used to convey peace
• Red - Used to convey protection and strength
• Yellow - Used to convey eternity

Berber Rug Symbols

• Barley - This signifies fertility. It is typically a rectangle with a light and dark checkered pattern.

• Bird - This signifies good fortune and healing through carrying baraka (a divine power in their belief system). It is typically intersecting rectangles that create a similarity to a cross.

• Eye - This signifies a specific kind of protection, one against the evil eye. It is typically a diamond pattern that's concentric with either arrows at the edge or a cross in the center.

• Finger - This signifies protection. It is typically similar to a tic-tac-toe board or the pound symbol (also referred to as a "hashtag" symbol).

• Frog - This signifies fertility and magical rites. It is typically a more ornate design made with diamonds, from the head, tail, to the legs on either side.

Conclusion

There is a deep meaning to symbolism when it comes to Moroccan Berber rugs, which signifies storytelling. The arrangements and motifs also make a considerable difference. Each Berber rug is unique, but there are meanings behind some symbols. This includes barley (for fertility), bird (for good fortune and healing), and finger (for protection).

Looking to get an Atlas Berber rug? Reach out to Atlas Weavers today! We are a fair trade artisan project and a premier supplier of authentic Moroccan decorative rugs.

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/interesting-stories-about-symbols-found-on-the-berber-rug

5 Reasons Why Moroccan Rugs Are Perfect for Your Home

People have their own notion of how the ideal home should look like. Some people are into minimalist and more modern home decor, while there are those who crave color and culture in their space. If it’s a splash of color you want, then you might want to try putting Moroccan rugs in your home. Unbelievably plush and durable, Moroccan rugs have a rich history and have always been a design obsession for many interior design enthusiasts. Here are five reasons why you should put a couple of these iconic rugs in your home.

Versatility

Moroccan rugs are available in a wide variety of designs, styles, colors, and sizes, making them virtually compatible in any space in your home. The classic Moroccan Berber rug, for example, is known for its minimalist design but still stands out wherever you decide to put them in your home. They serve as a rich, elegant, and staple piece that is sure to impress anyone who visits.

If you want a more colorful approach, Moroccan rugs also feature a lot of lively and astonishing designs that look more like paintings than actual rugs. Moroccan rugs basically have near limitless possibilities when it comes to their design, size, and style.

Super Warm and Cozy

Made in the high Atlas mountains of Morocco, these rugs are designed with warmth in mind. So if you want to feel that warmth and coziness you can only find at home, put a Moroccan rug in your bedroom and living room. That feeling of sitting on a comfy couch and letting your feet touch the fabric is a feeling like no other.

Surprisingly Durable

Moroccan rugs are hand-woven by the indigenous tribal people in North Africa, and they’ve been doing this for hundreds of years. This gives them more than enough experience to perfect their craft and make something that is beautiful, timeless, and surprisingly durable. Moroccan rugs are made from natural fibers that are extremely durable and are easy to clean. Although they’re not designed to be placed on your front door as a welcome mat, they are sturdy enough to stand up to anything.

One of a Kind Designs

Rugs made by the Berber tribe are all hand-woven and loomed to perfection, making each rug unique and slightly different from other rugs with a similar design. With the level of craftsmanship they possess in making these rugs, you’ll find it hard to look for any piece that has the exact same color, design, and weave.

Green Materials and Processes

Given the tribal way of life and origins of the rug, authentic Moroccan rugs have always been made from natural materials. High-quality rugs are usually made from silk, sheep’s wool, and other natural fibers. These are hand-woven pieces, which means no chemicals or synthetic dyes are used to color these beautiful rugs, making them completely environmentally friendly and safe to use.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the ultimate accessory to complete your interior design aesthetic, Moroccan rugs are a perfect choice. All these reasons make these rugs not just a treasured interior design piece, but they are unique pieces of art and history all rolled into one.

Atlas Weavers is a fair trade artisan project and a premier supplier of authentic Moroccan woven rugs. We want to share this piece of art and its abstract meaning with the world, helping preserve the Berber heritage and ancient weaving skills. Order your very own Moroccan rug from Atlas Weavers today.

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/5-reasons-why-moroccan-rugs-are-perfect-for-your-home

Here’s How to Properly Clean Your Moroccan Rug at Home

Morocco is a beautiful country to visit. It’s got gorgeous sites, delicious food, and unique experiences to remember. But one thing a lot of people get excited over is the shopping experience in Morocco. 

The shopping scene in Morocco offers some great buys such as jewelry, leather goods and ceramics. But one thing you should definitely get is some authentic Moroccan rugs.

These rugs would make an excellent addition to your home and would fondly remind you of your fantastic Moroccan vacation. 

But as time goes on, your Moroccan rug will collect dust and dirt and would need some cleaning. Unfortunately, professional carpet cleaning services can be pretty expensive, especially if you want your rugs regularly cleaned. Thankfully, it’s not that hard to clean your Moroccan carpet at home.

 

What Are Moroccan Rugs

Authentic Moroccan rugs are wool rugs hand-woven by different indigenous tribes in Morocco. People often love to collect Moroccan rugs for their stunning folk art designs and vibrant colors. 

Moroccan rugs are made from memory and not from formal patterns. And each tribe carries a distinct style for their rugs. The tribe’s location affects the thickness and color of the rugs. Colder climates require thicker piles of sheep wool, while warmer ones produce lighter flat wave rugs. The dyes the tribes use also depend on the plants and minerals available in their area. 

Traditionally, Moroccan rugs are used for practical purposes such as blankets, sleeping mats, and even burial shrouds. But today, a lot of people use Moroccan rugs for decorative purposes. 

Even so, it’s still important to be respectful of the culture these rugs come from because they hold a lot of history for the different Moroccan tribes. Make sure to take proper care of your authentic Moroccan rugs so that they can last longer. 

Spot Cleaning

If you’re just trying to clean out a specific stain, you can do some spot cleaning. If your rug got wet from a spill, the first thing you should do is to apply some paper towels to the stain. To help soak up the spilled liquid, pour some baking soda over the stain. Wait a couple of minutes and then vacuum the spot. If the stain is still there, you can try mixing vinegar with baking soda.

Stains caused by your pets, however, are a different story. Mix one part of distilled vinegar with equal parts cold water and place the diluted vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the water-vinegar mixture on the stain and use a soft-bristle brush. Wait a minimum of ten minutes before blotting out any excess liquid with some paper towels. 

Deep Cleaning

For a deeper clean, you can wash your authentic Moroccan rug by hand with some cold water and laundry soap. Rinse using a garden hose, but make sure you use cold water. Spread it out and let it dry under the heat of the sun. Make sure it is fully dry before you bring it back inside. Lastly, use a simple hand brush to brush out any excess wool.

Final Thoughts

Authentic Moroccan rugs may be beautiful, but they’re not just decorative pieces. They hold a lot of history and culture for the Moroccan people and should be properly cared for. 

You can count on Atlas Weavers to preserve these centuries-old traditions. We supply authentic Moroccan rugs that are of exceptional quality and are hand-woven. Shop now to get your own Moroccan rug.

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/here-s-how-to-properly-clean-your-moroccan-rug-at-home

Furnishing Guide: How to Properly Position Your Indoor Rugs

Vintage rugs and antique carpets have unique styles and textile patterns that can make any drab indoor space look exotic and exciting. It can turn any minimalist environment into a more cohesive interior, adding a collection of palettes and colors that pop or blend with your furnishing.

 

Like any furnishing piece, the placement of indoor rugs needs to follow form and function. Although it can seem straightforward to lay an indoor rug in your different rooms, there are guidelines and practices you need to follow.

This article will go over three areas in your home and how you can properly install a vintage rug.

1. Living Rooms

Since living rooms can vary from compact to spacious, you need to appropriately match your rug’s size. Sometimes, you may opt for a round rug over a rectangular one, depending on the room’s shape and orientation. If you plan to place an entire sofa within the rug’s surface, make it a point to have an allowance of six inches from each edge. Since you have to cover several sofa chairs and a table, make sure you have enough space in between for foot traffic.

If you don’t have the budget to fill an entire rug with your living room furnishing, you can place your rug between the front legs of your couches. It’s a versatile option that highlights the edges of your furniture while giving you the choice of placing your couch against a wall. You can use the same allowance of six inches of distance from the edge of the rug to the front legs.

2. Dining Rooms

Dining room rugs must contain all the pieces of your dining set, from tables to chairs. Since you’ll need to allot an allowance for pulling the chair from the table, you need a minimum of 24 inches from the edge to your table’s legs. This ensures that chairs will remain on the rug even when pushing them back for people to sit on. It’s necessary to account for this allowance even if you plan to buy a round-shaped rug or a rectangular shape. Make sure that the shape of your rug matches your table’s to maintain the consistency of your dining room.

3. Bedrooms

Unlike bedrooms and dining rooms, your rug shouldn’t be the focal point of your room. Instead, its placement should be a complement to your bedroom through proper placement. Besides the bed itself, you also need to consider nightstands, side tables, benches, and other furnishings when placing your rug.

Similar to dining rooms, you can opt to lay down your rug to surround the bed and nearby furnishings like nightstands and benches. Keep at least an 18 to 24 inches allowance around the edge to allow enough space for walkways. If your rug is already too close to your walls, it may be better to cover just 2/3s of your bedroom.

Playing a rug perpendicular to your bed is a great way to divide the room without getting too much attention. The same ruling of 18 to 24-inch allowance applies. For the best effect, queen-size beds work best with an 8 x 10 rug, while king-size ones will work with 9 x 12 ones.

Conclusion



The proper placement of your rug is an art form in itself. Install a rug improperly, and you’ll have a glaring mismatch to your interior design. One way to prevent these blunders is to purchase the right size and design that complements your room’s overall aesthetic.

Atlas Weavers is the premier supplier of Moroccan decorative rugs, with each piece made from unique and exceptional quality. We have a wide selection of vintage Moroccan rugs, Atlas Berber rugs, Beni Ourain rugs, and more! If you want to purchase our elegant hand-woven textile products, order from us today!

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/furnishing-guide-how-to-properly-position-your-indoor-rugs