The other category of carpet is kilim. Unlike vintage berber carpets, these are woven. A long woolen thread runs across the width of the carpet.
These two types of carpets are made in the Moroccan mountains of the Middle Atlas. One in the Azilal region, hence the name Azilal carpet. The other in the Beni Ourain region, hence the name Beni Ourain carpet.
Each region has its own specificities in terms of the sun, temperatures and vegetation. The sheep raised there therefore also have different characteristics adapted to the climate of their region.
The wool of sheep from the Beni Ourain region, for example, is very white. That of the Azilal region draw more towards beige.
Azilal carpets and Beni Ourain carpets are among the most qualitative Berber carpets. Indeed, the wool used is virgin. This means that it comes from the shearing of a living sheep and not sick or dead.
The other difference between Beni Ourain rugs and Azilal rugs is noticeable in the patterns.
The drawings on the Berber carpets represent the life of the weaver at the time of making. Symbol of fertility, religion, protection, nature are very often represented.
On the Beni Ouarain carpets, mostly white and black, the patterns are quite refined and graphically represented. Azilal carpets are more loaded. They can be very colorful or black and white.
The region, colors and patterns are therefore the three main elements that differentiate Beni Ouarain rugs and Azilal rugs and that will help you to differentiate them.
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