The Beni Ouarain rugs originate from the Beni Ouarain tribe, living in the Atlas Mountains. They were created to withstand the harsh winters of the high mountains. Traditionally, these rugs feature long, minimalist pile and showcase dark brown or black geometric shapes (lines, diamonds, triangles) on a white or beige background. Originally, the purpose of these traditional rugs was not merely decorative; they primarily served to cover the floors of Berber tents with their thick material, providing warmth during the cold nights in the high and middle Atlas mountains. As a result, they were large, thick, and heavy.

In colder northern regions, the rugs were predominantly handwoven with pure natural sheep wool. In milder climates, Beni Ouarain rugs were often used as decorative floor coverings or to drape over chairs, making them smaller and lighter. In the warmer southern regions, cotton was used as the base, but the knots in the rugs were still made of wool.

Today, Beni Ouarain rugs have become essential for interior design enthusiasts, as they effortlessly complement various decor styles, including Scandinavian, Ethnic, and Modern. You can find them in the bustling souks of Marrakech and even in traditional markets tucked away in remote mountain villages. It is within these markets that Mazir ventured to seek skilled artisan partners to bring you their collection of contemporary, handmade Beni Ouarain rugs.

Each creation has a genuine positive impact on the lives of the artisans who produce them and their families.

Kilim rugs were originally created by nomadic peoples in Central Asia to warm the floors of their tents and wrap their essential belongings. Over time, they spread to Eastern Europe and North Africa, and kilims are considered the oldest type of rugs in the world.

Today, the Kilim rug is regarded as an indispensable decorative item due to its immense variety of patterns and colors. It is used to cover both floors and walls in homes.

"Kilim" is a Turkish word that means "colors that do not mix," referring to the fact that kilims never blend colors together. Whenever a color changes, a new band appears on the rug.

The red Berber Kilim rug is handwoven using natural fibers such as wool, cotton, and occasionally silk. Geometric motifs like diamonds or triangles are commonly used, employing vibrant colors like dark red, magenta, purple, pink, orange, or brown, achieved through natural dyes like henna or other plant extracts, insects, and minerals. Each tribe had different weaving traditions for creating a kilim.

In Nordic countries where white is commonly used, kilims bring colors and a touch of bohemian chic to the decor. The Kilim cushion is also widely known and embraced worldwide.

The Boucherouite rug is a vibrant and colorful Berber rug that emerged in the market around the 1960s, during a time when shepherds faced a decline while the demand for Berber rugs soared. This circumstance led the craftswomen to unleash their creativity and utilize any materials they had at their disposal. "Boucherouite" is an Arabic word that means "used clothing," thus transforming the rugs into a kaleidoscope of extravagant handmade colors. They incorporate strips of rags, recycled clothing threads, wool, cotton, and in some designs, even nylon and pieces of plastic bags.

The multicolored woven Boucherouite rug is renowned for its vibrant and daring hues. The weavers employ an asymmetrical style inspired by tribal symbols such as squares and chevrons, which resemble a Berber heraldic compass.

The Azilal rug comes from the remote and rugged region of Azilal in the High Atlas Mountains, south of the city of Beni Mellal.

Azilal rugs are woven by Berber women for their domestic use and are made from 100% virgin wool, showcasing alternating patterns created with a single line of knots and one or two woven lines, following a ritual passed down from mother to daughter for several generations.

In terms of design, Azilal rugs combine colorful abstract and irregular patterns with numerous symbols in Berber style. They are often adorned with other materials such as dyed cotton and wool, showcasing a variety of vibrant hues obtained from natural plant dyes or recycled fabric threads.

The Azilal rugs embody a rich cultural heritage and convey the artistry of Berber craftsmanship. Their unique designs and intricate patterns serve as a testament to the enduring traditions and artistic expression passed down through generations of Berber women.

The Zanafi rug derives its name from the Zanafi tribe located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, west of Ouarzazate. This Berber rug is woven with wool threads using a special weaving technique similar to that of a Kilim rug. The technique allows for the creation of intricate geometric patterns on thin and lightweight yet durable rugs.

Zanafi rugs were relatively unknown in the market until the 1990s as salon rugs. Thanks to the imagination of the weavers, they are now regarded as true works of art comparable to abstract paintings. From Paris to New York to Tokyo, numerous art galleries exhibit these rugs as art pieces. Their strength and originality have been a true source of inspiration for artists such as Matisse, Paul Klee, and Le Corbusier.

By having a beautifully woven flat rug, your living room can celebrate the timeless Moroccan spirit in a special way while remaining relevant in the contemporary world. Handwoven and needle-embroidered with wooden needles, the rug preserves a cultural presence and symbolism of the Berber spirit.