A Rug Lover’s Paradise: Exploring the Abundance of Rugs in Morocco
We know that when you travel around Morocco you are going to be wowed by the rugs. From the time you arrive until the time you depart, you are going to see incredible rugs. They will be at the markets, in the shops, they will be under your feet at the gorgeous hotels or desert camps and they will be for sale everywhere. You will find them in Marrakesh, in Fez and in Casablanca, and even, off the beaten track in the desert and in the high Atlas mountains.
Take Your Time: Advice for a Thoughtful Rug Purchase
We have one word of advice for you. Don’t buy the very first rug you see! You will fall in love with it, sure, but you are going to fall in love with many rugs along your journey. Rather, take your time, make notes of your favourite rugs as you may want to go back for them, and also, make notes of the size, colour and type of rug you want.
Impulse or Research: Finding the Perfect Approach to Rug Shopping
That all sounds quite clinical, and of course, if you want to buy the first rug you see because you’ve never seen anything more beautiful, do it! There is nothing wrong with impulse. Otherwise, take your time and do a little research too.
You will find a few different types of rugs in Morocco.
Kilims: Versatile, Colourful, and Lightweight Rugs for Every Purpose
There are Kilims, locally known as Hanbels. Kilims are fabulous, colourful, fairly light in weight and decorative. A Kilim can be used on the floor, as a wall hanging, or as a bedcover. They are flat-woven rugs, woollen but sometimes with mixed textiles, and have no pile, hence they are fairly light to carry. Kilims can be found in almost all countries as they have become hugely popular, but of course in Morocco they are local and therefore the prices are excellent.
Knotted Pile Rugs: Luxurious Beauty in Various Styles and Thicknesses
There are knotted pile rugs. These are heavier and more luxurious rugs. They vary in thickness, woven beautifully and can be low, medium or thick pile. They come in a variety of colours and are quite beautiful and unusual.
Boucherouite Rugs: Creative Contemporary Designs with Recycled Materials
Boucherouite rugs are also known as rag rugs. These are more contemporary rugs, or creative rugs, using recycled textiles and fabrics. They are often made where wool is not easy to find, and the weavers use bits of cotton, scraps of fabric and threads of silver or gold thread.
The Artistry of Moroccan Rug Weaving: Tribal Techniques and Fascinating Patterns
It’s the rug weaving techniques that make Moroccan rugs so beautiful. If you’re lucky, you can go to a weaving factory, or watch women weaving rugs with looms in their homes. It’s all by hand! There are different tribes in Morocco, and they all have their own tribal patterns and techniques. Sometimes the techniques are mixed, resulting in unusual and fabulous patterns and detail. It’s why we think you should take your time and do your research, because the more you learn about rugs, the more fascinating they become.
There are tribal rugs, aged rugs, vintage rugs, contemporary rugs, woollen rugs, woven rugs, recycled rugs and more! Don’t feel shy to bargain, it’s almost expected of you. And look down all the time. The rugs under your feet are always spectacular.
Frequently Asked Questions
Berber rugs are renowned for their exceptional quality, making them highly sought after and valuable in the market. Crafted by the skilled Berber people for centuries, these rugs exhibit unmatched craftsmanship. Moreover, only the finest materials are used in their creation, further justifying their higher price point. For those seeking a truly exquisite and enduring rug, a Berber rug stands as a remarkable choice.
Moroccan rugs are renowned for their exceptional quality and desirable features, including durability, stain resistance, and captivating aesthetics that elevate any space with a touch of luxury.
To ensure a satisfying purchase, it is crucial to source Moroccan rugs from reputable sources. Not all rugs are equal in quality, making it essential to choose those crafted with premium materials. Opt for rugs made from natural fibres like wool or cotton, as they offer superior durability and resistance against stains.
Several methods can help determine the authenticity of a Moroccan rug. Firstly, examine the fringe, as genuine rugs typically possess a natural fringe, while counterfeit ones may lack fringe or have synthetic alternatives. Secondly, assess the pile’s characteristics. Authentic Moroccan rugs exhibit a deep and plush pile, whereas fake versions often feature a thin and glossy pile. Lastly, scrutinize the design for inconsistencies, such as imperfect symmetry in mirror-image patterns, as this can indicate the rug’s authenticity.
Morocco is renowned for its traditional rugs, which showcase exceptional craftsmanship and have been treasured for generations. These rugs are admired for their intricate designs, vibrant colours, and incorporation of traditional symbols and patterns. Alongside their aesthetic charm, Moroccan rugs are highly valued for their durability and superior quality.
Prices for Moroccan rugs vary depending on the size and quality of the rug. In general, you should expect to pay between 3000 and 6000 dirhams for a good quality Moroccan rug. It is always best to negotiate a price before purchasing a rug.
When paying for a Moroccan rug, it is customary to hand the money directly to the seller. Be sure to have the correct change if possible, as merchants in Morocco do not usually carry large amounts of currency.
