About 3.3 million years ago, the development of tools made from stone saw the coming of what is now known as the Palaeolithic Age. It is since this time that the people indigenous to Morocco have been weaving carpets and textiles. These Moroccan rugs have gained wide popularity over the ages, especially in the West even though they were not, originally, meant to be solely for decorative purpose.
1. Moroccan Beni Ourain Rugs
The Beni Ourain is one of the tribes that live in the Atlas Mountains. Their sheep rearing produces wool of excellent quality which they then carve into beautiful monochrome rugs. The monochromatic theme probably originates from the fact that only natural colours were available at the time and the rugs were more of a utility item than of decoration.
However, with time, the black and white Moroccan rugs have turned out to be a choice of interior decoration representative of simplicity and sophistication adding simultaneously, to the aura of the room as well.
2. The patterns
Personalelements from the lives of the women of the tribes (mostly it is the women who do the weaving) are put in as designs into the rugs. These may be the aspects of their daily lives, natural events, spirituality and/or religious beliefs among others. Superstition also plays a part in the designs as many of those from the Benin Ourain tribe believed that these carpets could keep evil spirits away and, therefore, the patterns on the rugs are often lucky charms that would bring prosperity and good luck to those who would possess them.
Versatility is one of the essence of the Beni Ourain Moroccan rugs that makes them compatible with rooms and interiors of any colour and/or design. The geometric shapes and patterns of the rugs, interior decorators opine, add to the illusion of space in rooms. Those who are willing to spend that extra dime can acquire this unique contemporary look for their homes that add style and a sense of class to them.
Even though these rugs are termed as ‘Beni Ourain Moroccan Rugs’, it might be possible that they are not authentically so. Most of these carpets are now commercially manufactured and one can distinguish between the two with a keen eye of size and shape. For instance an authentic Beni Ourain Moroccan rug is not larger than 7 feet whereas the commercially produced ones can be as large as 12 to 18 feet.
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