Melpo Vintage Moroccan Rug
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Rug Description
One-of-a-kind vintage rug, handwoven and handknotted by Beni Ourain tribes in the Middle Atlas mountains of Morocco
Dimensions: 5'1" x 8'6" (157 cm x 260 cm)
Melpo has been professionally cleaned; age-related wear and natural inconsistencies are inherent in these unique, handcrafted vintage rugs.
Rug Type:
-
Naturally Aged
Vintage, handwoven rugs from Turkey and Morocco, selected for their color and design and preserved as-is.
Age:
-
Vintage
Typically between 20-100 years old
Main Color:
- Beige, Cream
Color Palette:
- Cream
A warm off-white
- Warm Vanilla Beige
A warm pale beige, almost tan
- Midnight Blue
A deep blue, almost black
- Inky Black
True black
Rug Details
- One-of-a-kind vintage rug — only one in stock!
- 100% wool
- Dimensions: 5'1" x 8'6" (157 cm x 260 cm)
- Plush pile: approximately 1.2"(3cm)
- Fringe: measures 3.9" (10 cm)
- Color palette: cream, warm vanilla beige, midnight blue, inky black
- These rugs are prized for their expressive design and construction. Their freeform edges meander and wiggle, unbound by constrictions of mass production.
Curator's Notes
- 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 Originally made for personal use, these rugs took months to weave, documenting a shifting tide of events and emotions in the weaver’s life.
- A minimalist, midcentury design with art deco elements
- 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.
Material DetailsWool, 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.
