What is a Moroccan Rug?
A Moroccan rug is a traditional floor covering that has been woven for centuries by the Berber people, the indigenous inhabitants of Morocco. These rugs are known for their durability and are made from high-quality wool, ensuring they last for many years.
The designs of Berber rugs incorporate themes of prosperity, survival, protection, and nature, with each tribe having its own unique patterns and weaving techniques. Common symbols include diamonds, chevrons (inverted V shapes), and X shapes, which are believed to protect people from the influences of nature and negative energy.
The colors also carry deep meanings, with red symbolizing strength and protection, blue representing wisdom, yellow denoting eternity, and green symbolizing peace. These symbolic designs and colors reflect the cultural backgrounds and beliefs of the weavers, giving the rugs a unique identity. In particular, Berber rugs emphasize the beliefs and symbolism embedded in their patterns. Azilal rugs are hand-knotted by the Azilal tribe living in the Atlas Mountains and are characterized by their colorful, abstract, and asymmetrical patterns.
Materials of Moroccan Rugs
Moroccan rugs are typically made from sheep wool, although cotton and synthetic fibers may also be used. The wool selected for rug making is of particularly high quality and can be purchased from merchants or sheared directly from sheep. In the colder regions of the Atlas Mountains, thicker wool is used, while lighter flat-woven rugs are made in the Sahara Desert region.
Moroccan rugs are known for their vibrant colors, utilizing various shades such as red, blue, and yellow, reflecting the hues of Morocco's natural landscapes, especially its mountains and deserts.
The durability of Moroccan rugs is ensured by the high-quality wool and intricate patterns. Authentic Moroccan rugs made from 100% wool are fire-resistant and can be used for a long time while maintaining their beauty.
Manufacturing Process
- Shearing: The wool is carefully sheared from the sheep. This is typically done in spring or summer, taking into account the health of the sheep and the quality of the wool.
- Washing: The wool is washed to remove dirt and impurities. Natural oils (lanolin) may be partially removed, but some are left to maintain softness and water resistance.
- Carding: The wool is processed in a step called carding, where the fibers are aligned. Traditionally, wooden boards (cards) are used, but metal carding brushes are also common. This step aligns the fibers, making it easier to spin into yarn.
- Dyeing: The wool is dyed using natural dyes made from plants or minerals, or synthetic dyes. Color is an important feature of Moroccan rugs.
- Spinning: The wool is hand-twisted into strong yarn. This plays a crucial role in the durability of the rug.
- Weaving: Weavers use traditional looms to incorporate complex patterns and designs into the rug.
- Washing and Drying: The finished rug is washed again to remove excess dye and lint, and then dried. This ensures the rug is clean and maintains its vibrant colors.
Rooms Suitable for Moroccan Rugs
Moroccan rugs can complement any room, adding personality to spaces of various sizes. They are comfortable, durable, and relatively easy to maintain, making them suitable for use in baby rooms, reading nooks, entryways, kitchens, and more. In living rooms and bedrooms, they create a cozy and warm atmosphere.
Moroccan rugs pair well with simple spaces as well as luxurious settings, and they harmonize with bohemian, modern, and traditional decor styles, combining soft textures with sturdy construction.
Prices of Moroccan Rugs
The price of Moroccan rugs varies significantly based on size, design, materials, and even age and condition. Generally, the price range is from 20,000 yen to 500,000 yen, with an average price range of 70,000 yen to 200,000 yen. Particularly large rugs or vintage and rare Moroccan rugs can exceed 500,000 yen.
