Beni Ouarain

Woven by the Ourarain tribe from the Moroccan Middle Atlas mountains, these carpets were originally made to serve as bedding or blankets which protected the members of the tribe from the cold and damp climate of this mountain range. The simplicity of their designs made them attractive to many modernist architects of the 1920s and 1930s such as Le Corbusier. And today they are considered the most prestigious rugs in Morocco.

The carpets made in this zone feature a thick long pile and soft , silky feel. They are manufactured in undyed pure wool using the traditional Berber knot woven on one or three threads. The colours used are within the range of beige shades, and the designs are made up with irregular patterns of black and brown wool which are usually asymmetrical and abstract. Exceptionally , some pieces may show a more vivid colour background.