Rifat
Rifat Vintage Moroccan Rug
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Description
One-of-a-kind vintage rug, handwoven and handknotted in the town of Taznakht in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco.
Dimensions: 3'10" x 6'10" (118 cm x 210 cm)
Rifat has been professionally cleaned; age-related wear and natural inconsistencies are inherent in these unique, handcrafted vintage rugs.
Product 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:
- Gray
Color Palette:
- Ash Brown Gray
A light-to-medium brownish gray
- Inky Black
True black
- Tangerine Orange
A light, true orange
Product Details
- One-of-a-kind vintage rug — only one in stock!
- 100% wool on cotton warp
- Dimensions: 3'10" x 6'10" (118 cm x 210 cm)
- Plush pile: approximately 0.8"(2cm)
- One-sided fringe: measures 3.1" (8 cm)
- Color palette: ash brown gray, inky black, tangerine orange
- 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 Originally made for personal use, these rugs took months to weave, documenting a shifting tide of events and emotions in the weaver’s life.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 series of repeating medallions fill out the field in balanced, ornamental details
- Artisanal and tribal, geometric designs feature angular edges and simple shapes—like diamonds, squares, lattices, and stylized animals
- An absolute classic, diamond-based designs create a beautiful and dynamic field of geometric shapes
Taznakht is a major market town and weaving center associated with the Ait Ouaouzguite and Zanafi. Rugs from this region can be identified by their tightly-woven and finely-knotted lowish pile and occasional anthropomorphic designs. Their frequent use of yellow is due to abundant local yellow-dye materials, like gorse flowers.
Material DetailsWool, a staple in Moroccan rug design, is 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 soft—so it’s super comfy to walk and relax on. In this piece, textured wool wefts are flatwoven onto sturdy cotton warps.
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.