Most people are familiar with and have heard the name ‘Berber Rugs.’ But what they are unaware of is that the rugs are named after the North African tribes that first waved them, and are still weaving them to this day.
Visually vibrant, aesthetically pleasing, and filled with symbolism – Moroccan Rugs are one-of-a-kind. And to tell you the truth, all Moroccan Rugs are Berber Rugs; different Berber tribes crafted them. This brought in unique impacts on the color, story, and design of each rug. Hence, various types of Moroccan rugs emerged. Every rug designed by the indigenous people depicts their own unique story. Also, the women used Berber symbols in the rugs to showcase their life and culture. As a result, every rug made is different and unique from another.
There are different types of Moroccan Berber Rugs available with us.
AZILAL
These rugs are authentic pieces of art and inspired by Beni Ouarain’s weaving method. They have their origin in the Azilal region in Morocco and carry a significant testimony that symbolizes the weaver’s family heritage and identity. These rugs are made with the finest wool and have a weaving technique similar to Beni Ouarain rugs, but stand out with their original shapes and vivid colors.
BENI OUARAIN
This is one of the most precious Moroccan rugs and known for its soft touch and iconic cream/ivory color. These rugs are made with the finest wool and display sophisticated geometric lines that suit every type of home interior! They are completely hand-knotted, following the Berber tradition.
BOUCHEROUITE
Boucherouite rugs are authentic pieces born from recycling. The weavers use clothes, rags, and all the textiles they find, and assemble them to make these unique masterpieces. Boucherouites are a very unique kind of rugs and one-of-a-kind jewels of creativity!
BENI MGUILD
The rugs are bright-colored carpets that come from the vertical knots on the loom. Their color theme consists of beautiful hues including browns, blues, purples, and reds. They are thick piled and lusher than other types and are perfect in both summers and winters.
The thick pile height of the rug makes them look softer and warmer. On the other hand, flip the carpet to bring the flat side up and use it in summers.
How to Spot a Fake Moroccan Berber Rug?
The Moroccan rugs are a decoration commonly seen in the interiors of Morocco. They are an integral part of the country’s culture and is considered as one of the finest jewels of Moroccan craftsmanship. And due to a great demand for these rugs, taking their unique designs, the wise use of colors, and intriguing motifs, their style is often intimidated. You will find many fake rugs in this style under the name “Berber-style carpet.”
So, to help you stay away from mass-produced, low-quality Berber rugs, here are some ways to distinguish the authentic from the imitation –
Burn a Rug’s String: A trick you can perform to recognize a real Moroccan Berber Rug from a fake one. A real Moroccan rug that is made of wool does not ignite. But a fake Moroccan rug that is made of cheap synthetic material like polypropylene fiber is toxic and highly flammable. This will catch fire easily upon ignition.
Turn the Rug Over: Original Moroccan Berber Rugs are handmade, making every piece truly unique. These were originally manufactured for domestic use in the purest Moroccan tradition. To ensure that you are purchasing an original Berber rug, turn it over. There should be irregular knotting on the back, and it should also have a fringe to complete its design.
Touch the Rug: Authentic Moroccan Berber Rugs are made of 100% organic and natural wool. However, the imitated ones are usually made of wool and synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, viscose, polypropylene, and acrylic. Upon touching, the authentic Berber rug should be pleasant to the touch. Stay away from the rug that is made of synthetic wool. The wool is industrial but does not carry the similar charm or silkiness as the artisanal one of an original rug.
CONCLUSION
The origin of the Moroccan Berber Rug is deeply rooted in the country’s culture and tradition. These rugs are more than just aesthetically pleasing decorations in any home. So, to bring those ancestral influences to your home buy only from trusted suppliers that offer authentic Moroccan rugs.