What is Special About Moroccan Rugs?
If you’re a lover of natural elements and the beauty of handmade textiles, you’ll want to add a Moroccan rug to your home. Its intricate patterns, beautiful colors and silky soft texture make it a timeless work of art that will last for generations.
In the West, Moroccan tribal rugs have become a staple of midcentury design, adorning contemporary homes with a touch of natural beauty. Alvar Aalto, Le Corbusier and Frank Lloyd Wright were among the designers who incorporated these handmade details into their designs.
The wool
A Moroccan rug is a decorative work of art, a symbol that brings a deep and unique character to your interiors. Its faded colours and degraded patterns bring a nostalgic touch to the rooms, whatever style of decoration you have chosen.
When it comes to the wool used in Morocco rugs, it’s important to choose the best quality. Generally, sheep raised in higher elevations are of a superior quality.
The higher elevations also means the wool is stronger and more resistant to shedding. However, many rug producers will use the lower quality wool from sheep raised in low elevations in order to cut corners.
This process can result in poorer quality rugs that are prone to bleeding and other issues. This is because the dyers shortcut the dyeing process by gluing the dye to the wool rather than chemically bonding it.
The dyes
Moroccan rugs have become increasingly popular, owing to their unique designs and colors. They can add a dramatic touch to any interior design, and they make an excellent floor covering for bedrooms or living rooms.
The designs used in Moroccan rugs are often inspired by the environment and cultural traditions of the Berber people. They typically include geometric shapes and diamonds, as well as other abstract patterns.
In addition, many rugs feature designs that have spiritual or cultural significance. For example, the hand of Fatima is a symbol of protection that can be seen on many Moroccan rugs.
The dyes used in Moroccan rugs are also special, as they are sourced from natural solutions. These include Tyrian for purple, indigo for blue, sumac, saffron, and turmeric for yellow. Henna is also a common ingredient for brown and orange shades. Madder ocher is another traditional dye for red colors.
The designs
One of the most interesting things about Moroccan rugs is their intricate and detailed designs. They are created using a technique called knotting, in which wool is looped around itself to create an intricate pattern.
A lot of these rugs are made from natural dyes that are extracted from plants such as Papaver rhoeas or red poppy for the Red hue, Indigofera tinctoria SP for the Blue tint and Lawsonia inermis L for the Orange color. This gives a unique quality to the rug that you won’t find anywhere else.
Unlike synthetic dyes, natural dyes require more expertise and knowledge to produce the desired effect. This is why these types of rugs are usually more expensive than the synthetic ones.
Several popular tribal weaving traditions have produced Moroccan rugs, including Azilal, Beni Mguild, Boucherouite rag rugs & Beni Mguilds, Kilims and Tuareg mats. All of these rugs are unique and beautiful in their own way.
The craftsmanship
Moroccan berber rugs are hand-woven with wool from local sheep using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation. These rugs are a beautiful way to add texture and color to your home, and they are made to last.
These rugs are also often made from natural dyes and include designs that reflect the Berber culture of Morocco. They are a great option for interior designers looking for a unique design that is both durable and beautiful.
The process of creating a handmade rug involves selecting the best quality wool, dying it in colorful designs and then weaving it into the final product. This is a very time-intensive process and can take months to complete.
