Afilou

• Moroccan rugs don’t come with a key. As with any painting or poem, their motifs have many subjective interpretations. Originally made for personal use, these rugs took months to weave, documenting a shifting tide of events and emotions in the weaver’s life.
• Diagonal lines weave and intersect, forming a grid-like pattern
• An absolute classic, diamond-based designs create a beautiful and dynamic field of geometric shapes
• Stripes—a simple and timeless classic
• Directional design or color gradients with purposeful asymmetry and movement
• A handsome, hand-braided fringe woven from threads of the loom

As of 1991, the large Beni Ourain tribal territory was home to nearly a quarter of the Moroccan sheep population. This rather large group of tribes are famous for their fleece-like white rugs, designed for sleeping on and under, with a barely-visible meandering black or brown diamond lattice design.

Wool, a staple in Moroccan rug design, was considered almost sacred to the Amazigh (Berber) people, whose nomadic lifestyle included sheep and goat herding. In addition to being available, wool is durable, long-lasting, and incredibly plush—so it’s super comfy to walk and relax on. In this piece, the wool pile is knotted onto a wool foundation, adding body and helping it hug the floor.

Moroccan wool is locally sourced and produces a thick, strong pile that feels soft underfoot. Having stood the test of time, this hand-processed wool has reacted to its various environments, acquiring an untamed, nubby look and feel.