Moroccan tribeswomen have created many works of art over the centuries. However, some historians believe that one of the most beautiful and distinctive of these is the Beni Ourain rug. Moroccan Berber rugs have a classic, timeless appeal, and for this reason they have intrigued men and women from around the world for thousands of years. The following are some little-known facts about these handmade creations:

Historical Significance

Handcrafted Berber rugs are entirely different from Western versions of these carpets, the latter of which are mass-produced, rather than handwoven. This is why owning one of these unusual carpets is like owning a little piece of history.

Rugs of this type come from Morocco and surrounding areas, and the design, thickness, weight and individual weaving patterns are all reflective of the indigenous peoples by whom the rugs are made. For instance, Moroccan tribes that primarily resided in frigid, mountainous areas designed their rugs with a thicker weave than those living in desert regions, where a finer weave and flatter pile were typically used.

Weaving Patterns

Throughout the centuries, women of various tribes passed specific weaving methods down to their daughters and granddaughters. In some cases, special events in the family's life or particular facts about the tribe's history were woven into the design.

Materials

All materials for both the Berber rug and the Beni Ourain rug are natural. Therefore, the color of the rug depends on the type of materials the weaver used during its creation. Most carpets of this kind were made from goat hair, camel hair, or sheep's wool. If animal products were difficult to locate at any given time, most weavers relied on their creative skills and used other natural substances, such as silk or hair from other animals.

Rugs of this kind primarily feature neutral colors, such as ivory, white, light brown or tan. Henna, saffron and indigo are used to design specific patterns on the surface of the rug. Because of the many different elements that factor into the creation of Moroccan carpets, no two are exactly alike. These facts only serve to enhance the owner's appreciation of a beautiful Moroccan rug.

Decorative and Practical Benefits

Berber rugs are appealing in a variety of ways, and one characteristic that makes them attractive to consumers is their versatility. They offer both decorative and practical features that are entirely unique. For this reason, they can be used to great advantage to enhance the overall decor of one's home. For example, they can be used as standard floor coverings, but they also work well as wall art, blankets, or decorative coverings for a chair or sofa. In addition, because such rugs almost always feature neutral colors, they blend well with the overall theme of virtually any interior decor.

Their original, timeless features and beautiful colors make these rugs an ideal addition to any dwelling, as well as a wonderful gift for a new homeowner. Essentially anyone who invests in a timeless Beni Ourain rug will be more than satisfied with his or her purchase for many future decades.