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by Abdelilah Lendani July 28, 2022 2 min read

The Berber carpet is a distinctive work of art that has become a mainstay of modern and historical furnishings. It is timeless, robust, warm, and comfy. The art of hand knotting rugs has been a vital component of the Berber culture, which has its roots in ancient times, and has been passed down from generation to generation.

The commonality of the knotting method and certain of their motifs point to an origin in Asia Minor's Neolithic period.

The usage of signs and forms is consistent between the motifs found in Berber rugs and the oldest human expressions found in artifacts. Due to their startling resemblances to the Upper Paleolithic of Europe, the Neolithic of the East, and the Mediterranean basin, Berber rugs may be the final remaining artifact from the archaic period.

Berber carpets have retained their individuality since they were not influenced by ancient civilizations due to their isolation in the Atlas Mountains and distance from the silk path.

A key component of Berber carpets are mosaics made of geometric designs that are not randomly put together; rather, they form an abstract language with a very specific meaning. Each carpet is much more than just an item; it tells a story that the weaver chooses to convey through her artistry. These stories may be about the weaver's culture, family, stages of womanhood, environment, etc. The body and nature are mostly used as symbols in their interpretation. Diamonds, broken lines, crosses, and other symbols are frequently used among the diverse range of designs.

According to tradition, mothers pass on their craft knowledge to their daughters in the creation of rugs. Its manufacturing follows a very specific process of a religious nature, from shearing to weaving and dyeing.

In some regions of Morocco, wool is revered as a divine gift that wards off evil. Therefore, wool must be treated with the utmost respect and care as a precious material.

As of right now, the Berber rug serves as a mattress, blanket, bag of grains, ornament, and is essential to the Berber tribe's economy and way of life. His selling enables a family to survive, and he still appears on the bride's keychain.

In Europe from the Middle Ages, it had a place of preference among the many precious things offered to ambassadors or princes as a guarantee of political or familial affiliation. Its sanctity, lengthy production process, and refinement also make it a luxury gift.

The Moroccan carpet was one of the most popular exports to Europe in the 19th century, and even today, it is widely praised for its exoticism and aestheticism.

 



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