Rifat Vintage Moroccan Rug

• 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 Originally made for personal use, these rugs took months to weave, documenting a shifting tide of events and emotions in the weaver’s life.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.

Wool, 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.