Textiles

The Beni Ouaraïn form a confederation of about seventeen Berber groups inhabiting the Northeastern part of the Moroccan Middle Atlas mountain range. Among those tribes we find the Aït Jelidassen, the Zerarda, the Aït Assou, the Ahl Telt, the Beni bou Zart or the Imrilen. The quality of the Beni Ouaraïn textiles has been acknowledged and admired since long. To that have contributed the dexterity of their artisan weavers (mainly women) and the quality of the wool from a local breed of small sheeps that may still be found in certain areas inhabited by the Beni Ouaraïn. Their rugs use that wool for their warp, weft and knots. Their medium to long pile and silky touch rugs have become well-known worldwide for the use of the very characteristic so-called -Berber knot- on two or three warp threads, the lovely cream palette of the natural undyed wool used and their medium to high thickness. However, as an exception, the expert Gebhart Blazek gives account as to how until relatively recent times the Beni bou Zart where still using the loop-knot for some of their textiles. When decorated they use geometrical patterns that reflect the richness of the Berber iconography and simbology with references to feminine and masculine elements as well as to protective motifs. Beni Ouaraïn rugs are not originally meant for decoration. They would serve as mattresses for the family to withstand the freezing cold winter nights at the Atlas and then, turned over onto the other side, during the summer. Rugs with a strong tribal character and extremely decorative.

The artisan handmade Azilal knotted rugs are yet another sample of the endless creativity of the Berber mind. They are mainly woven in the the Moroccan province of Azilal, a mountainous region that lies between the High and Middle Atlas range. Among the Berber groups inhabiting that area we may cite the Aït bou Oulli, the Aït Bouguemez or the Aït Sokhmane. Sheep wool is used for the pile, warp and weft but in the last decades some other materials have been introduced. They are knotted using a symmetrical knot on two warps though sometimes the so-called Berber knot is used as well. The are usually medium-piled. In broad lines three main types of Azilal carpets can be described. The first one is the classical  one. Natural undyed white or cream wool is employed for the backgroung whilst natural undyed brown, black wool or, eventually some other color, is used for the decoration. The second type main characteristic is the deep red wool background where the decoration, either geommetrical or abstract, may show a fairly wide range of colors. This model is found among the Aït Bouzid and some experts see there influences from urban carpets from the city of Rabat. The third model appeared around the mid-1980's and its main feature is the use, together with natural or dyed wool, of a broader range of textile materials such as synthetic dyed yarns, reused fibers, etc. In any case the outcome is always spectacular, and exceedingly decorative.    

The Beni Ouaraïn form a confederation of about seventeen Berber groups inhabiting the Northeastern part of the Moroccan Middle Atlas mountain range. Among those tribes we find the Aït Jelidassen, the Zerarda, the Aït Assou, the Ahl Telt, the Beni bou Zart or the Imrilen. The quality of the Beni Ouaraïn textiles has been acknowledged and admired since long. To that have contributed the dexterity of their artisan weavers (mainly women) and the quality of the wool from a local breed of small sheeps that may still be found in certain areas inhabited by the Beni Ouaraïn. Their rugs use that wool for their warp, weft and knots. Their medium to long pile and silky touch rugs have become well-known worldwide for the use of the very characteristic so-called -Berber knot- on two or three warp threads, the lovely cream palette of the natural undyed wool used and their medium to high thickness. However, as an exception, the expert Gebhart Blazek gives account as to how until relatively recent times the Beni bou Zart where still using the loop-knot for some of their textiles. When decorated they use geometrical patterns that reflect the richness of the Berber iconography and simbology with references to feminine and masculine elements as well as to protective motifs. Beni Ouaraïn rugs are not originally meant for decoration. They would serve as mattresses for the family to withstand the freezing cold winter nights at the Atlas and then, turned over onto the other side, during the summer. Rugs with a strong tribal character and extremely decorative.

The Beni Ouaraïn form a confederation of about seventeen Berber groups inhabiting the Northeastern part of the Moroccan Middle Atlas mountain range. Among those tribes we find the Aït Jelidassen, the Zerarda, the Aït Assou, the Ahl Telt, the Beni bou Zart or the Imrilen. The quality of the Beni Ouaraïn textiles has been acknowledged and admired since long. To that have contributed the dexterity of their artisan weavers (mainly women) and the quality of the wool from a local breed of small sheeps that may still be found in certain areas inhabited by the Beni Ouaraïn. Their rugs use that wool for their warp, weft and knots. Their medium to long pile and silky touch rugs have become well-known worldwide for the use of the very characteristic so-called -Berber knot- on two or three warp threads, the lovely cream palette of the natural undyed wool used and their medium to high thickness. However, as an exception, the expert Gebhart Blazek gives account as to how until relatively recent times the Beni bou Zart where still using the loop-knot for some of their textiles. When decorated they use geometrical patterns that reflect the richness of the Berber iconography and simbology with references to feminine and masculine elements as well as to protective motifs. Beni Ouaraïn rugs are not originally meant for decoration. They would serve as mattresses for the family to withstand the freezing cold winter nights at the Atlas and then, turned over onto the other side, during the summer. Rugs with a strong tribal character and extremely decorative.

The Beni Ouaraïn form a confederation of about seventeen Berber groups inhabiting the Northeastern part of the Moroccan Middle Atlas mountain range. Among those tribes we find the Aït Jelidassen, the Zerarda, the Aït Assou, the Ahl Telt, the Beni bou Zart or the Imrilen. The quality of the Beni Ouaraïn textiles has been acknowledged and admired since long. To that have contributed the dexterity of their artisan weavers (mainly women) and the quality of the wool from a local breed of small sheeps that may still be found in certain areas inhabited by the Beni Ouaraïn. Their rugs use that wool for their warp, weft and knots. Their medium to long pile and silky touch rugs have become well-known worldwide for the use of the very characteristic so-called -Berber knot- on two or three warp threads, the lovely cream palette of the natural undyed wool used and their medium to high thickness. However, as an exception, the expert Gebhart Blazek gives account as to how until relatively recent times the Beni bou Zart where still using the loop-knot for some of their textiles. When decorated they use geometrical patterns that reflect the richness of the Berber iconography and simbology with references to feminine and masculine elements as well as to protective motifs. Beni Ouaraïn rugs are not originally meant for decoration. They would serve as mattresses for the family to withstand the freezing cold winter nights at the Atlas and then, turned over onto the other side, during the summer. Rugs with a strong tribal character and extremely decorative.

This particular example shows some elements of colour that makes it particularly vibrant.

A simply wonderful old Algerian flatwoven textile or -hanbel-. Wool and natural dyes. It features superb colors in a most appealling combination of stripes. Fringed. A truly rare piece worth-having in any North African textiles collection. Do not miss it!.

A stunning woman's old ceremonial veil or headscarf from the Berber Ida tribes, most likely from the Ida ou Kensous or the Ida ou Zeddoute, inhabiting areas of the Moroccan Central Anti Atlas in the region of the Jbel Siroua. Hanndwoven in wool by artisan weavers and painted and dyed in three shades with henna in averu characteristic U-shaped pattern. Fringed at the bottom. It would have been used in special gathering by the women of the tribe as veils or to cover their heads and shoulders. A superb piece with truly captivating design and colors. A genuine true ethnographic jewel.

A nice woman's vintage shawl, cape or -handira- from the Berber group of the Beni or Aït Ouaraïn in the Middle Atlas mountain range in Morocco. It combines handwoven natural undyed wool and cotton with natural dyes. It features the very distinctive striped decoration used in this kind of garments and group. Fringed and with two straps to knot it round the chest. Lovey cream and camel colors. The Beni Ouaraïn are a confederation formed by about seventeen Berber groups inhabiting primarily the northeastern part of the Moroccan Middle Atlas mountain range. Among those tribes they may be cited the Aït Jelidassen, the Zerarda, the Aït Assou, the Ahl Telt, the Beni bou Zart or the Imrilen. The quality of the Beni Ouaraïn textiles has been acknowledged admired since long and to that have contributed the dexterity of their mainly women artisan weavers.

A lovely old Berber woman's shawl, cape or -handira- from the group of the Aït Atta. It features the very characteristic distribution of stripes and colors of this group. The large confederation of the Aït Atta inhabits an extense area on the High Atlas from the Draa valley to the Ziz valley. Capes like this would be worn on special gatherings and ocassions by the women of the group and from some other neighbouring group as the Aït Hadiddou, fastened by silver fibula or brooches. This handmade handira has been woven in wool and it combines the use of natural dyes in a design that mixes the three traditional colors, red, black and green against a white or cream background and the combination of stripes of equal width in its central part. The traditional design is completed by a fringe bordering the side edges. This particular example comes from the area of Msemrir where the Aït Atta sub-group of the Aït Oussikis lives. A beautiful piece.    

A lovely Berber fringed -handira-, cape or shawl from M-Tougha in the Moroccan High Atlas mountain range. It is handwoven in natural undyed wool. The distribution of its black and white stripes yet simple is very apealling. This kind of pieces is usually used as blankets as well as outer garments to withstand the freezing nights in the High Atlas. 

A Berber fringed -handira-, cape or shawl from M'Tougha in the Moroccan High Atlas mountain range. It is handwoven in natural undyed wool. Cotton weft. The distribution of its black and white stripes yet simple is very apealling. This kind of pieces is usually used as blankets as well as outer garments to withstand the freezing nights in the High Atlas. 

A  woman's shawl, cape or -handira- from the High Atlas, though the use of these capes has extended to some areas of the High Atlas as well. It combines handwoven natural undyed wool and cotton. It features very distinctive decorative stripes and long cotton fringes or pile. Distinctive sequins have been added. Nowadays it would be used during special gatherings and festivities where the women, dancing together, make a magical sound by ratling their jewellery and the sequins themselves!. 

A  woman's shawl, cape or -handira- from the High Atlas, though the use of these capes has extended to some areas of the High Atlas as well. It combines handwoven natural undyed wool and cotton. It features very distinctive decorative stripes and long cotton fringes or pile. Distinctive sequins on cotton threads have been added. Nowadays it would be used during special gatherings and festivities where the women, dancing together, make a magical sound by ratling their jewellery and the sequins themselves!. 

A floor cushion made from selected fragments of an old Moroccan Berber haïk. A -haïk-, -hayk-, -haik- or -tahraoukht-, is an outer garment used by the different Berber tribes as part of their attire. It may come in many sizes and the way to wear it can vary a lot depending on the are and the needs of the wearer, for example, as a cape or as a sort of veil to cover head and face.Filling not included.

A handmade artisan flatwoven rug or -hanbel- from the Berber tribe of the Beni M'tir or the Beni Mtir, inhabiting areas of the western Middle Atlas mountain range in Morocco. Their flatwoven textiles made of wool and cotton evidence an oustanding mastery of weaving techniques as well as a  worth-admiring decoration, minute, precise and full of motifs that, as if it were a book, reflect the vastness and richness of Berber symbology.

These Berber artisan handmade flatwoven kilim-type textiles or -hanbel- from the Valley of the Ourika in the Moroccan High Atlas are quite a discovery. That is so not only because of their beauty and originality but also because they were quite unknown to most about little more than a decade ago. They are locally known as -lahmal- or -sachou- and they are made of sheep wool.  Their most characteristic features are the horizontal stripes and, most of all, that sort of lentil or protective eye decorative motif, called -ayyour-. The oldest examples use natural undyed wool covering most of the brown palette whilst later ones introduce a richer variety of colors. But again the most distinctive element is the -ayyour- which is woven using the eccentric weft technique. That means that the warp and the weft lines do not cross perpendicularly. This technique is very seldom found in Morocco but for some rare traditional male garment used among the Aït Ouaouzguite and in some areas of the Valley of the Ourika called -akhnif-.  

The textiles from the different Berber sub-goups of the Aït Ouaouzguite Confederation in the region of the Siroua between the Moroccan High and Anti Atlas mountain ranges, such as the Aït Ouarda, the Aït Tamassine, the Aït Ameur, the Aït Khezama, the Ait Oubial or the Aït Abdallah, are traditionally among the most reputed in Morocco. To that end contribute not only the quality of the materials employed, the dexterity of the artisan weavers but also the originality of the techniques used in their flatwoven textiles such as capes or –akhnif- or bags and shepperd and mount blankets –shadoui-, -l´rhomd- or -adil-. For their knotted piled rugs they commonly use the so-called symmetric knot and local sheep wool. In earliest examples the predominant colours are natural undyed white, cream, brown and black sheep wool. Natural black wool is still very highly esteemed due to the top quality of that wool coming from a local sheep breed and because according to Berber’s beliefs it is very effective to ward off evil eye and other bad influences. In not that old examples the colour palette is wider. As to decorative patterns those are clearly tribal though we can find sometimes some resemblance with those found in city examples from Rabat or Salé. That has very much to do with the old and long-lasting links between the Jewish communities of those cities and Aït Ouaouzguite’s ones. When it comes to flatwoven textiles the degrees of quality, originality and excellency are certainly outstanding, particularly among the Aït Ouarda and the Aït Tamassine, being the combination of white and black stripes of different width  and the use of the –shadaoui- or  weft-twining technique some of the more remarkable features. True pieces of tribal art at its best not to be missed.       

The textiles from the different Berber sub-goups of the Aït Ouaouzguite Confederation in the region of the Siroua between the Moroccan High and Anti Atlas mountain ranges, such as the Aït Ouarda, the Aït Tamassine, the Aït Ameur, the Aït Khezama, the Ait Oubial or the Aït Abdallah, are traditionally among the most reputed in Morocco. To that end contribute not only the quality of the materials employed, the dexterity of the artisan weavers but also the originality of the techniques used in their flatwoven textiles such as capes or –akhnif- or bags and shepperd and mount blankets –shadoui-, -l´rhomd- or -adil-. For their knotted piled rugs they commonly use the so-called symmetric knot and local sheep wool. In earliest examples the predominant colours are natural undyed white, cream, brown and black sheep wool. Natural black wool is still very highly esteemed due to the top quality of that wool coming from a local sheep breed and because according to Berber’s beliefs it is very effective to ward off evil eye and other bad influences. In not that old examples the colour palette is wider. As to decorative patterns those are clearly tribal though we can find sometimes some resemblance with those found in city examples from Rabat or Salé. That has very much to do with the old and long-lasting links between the Jewish communities of those cities and Aït Ouaouzguite’s ones. When it comes to flatwoven textiles the degrees of quality, originality and excellency are certainly outstanding, particularly among the Aït Ouarda and the Aït Tamassine, being the combination of white and black stripes of different width  and the use of the –shadaoui- or  weft-twining technique some of the more remarkable features. True pieces of tribal art at its best not to be missed.       

The textiles from the different Berber sub-goups of the Aït Ouaouzguite Confederation in the region of the Siroua between the Moroccan High and Anti Atlas mountain ranges, such as the Aït Ouarda, the Aït Tamassine, the Aït Ameur, the Aït Khezama, the Ait Oubial or the Aït Abdallah, are traditionally among the most reputed in Morocco. To that end contribute not only the quality of the materials employed, the dexterity of the artisan weavers but also the originality of the techniques used in their flatwoven textiles such as capes or –akhnif- or bags and shepperd and mount blankets –shadoui-, -l´rhomd- or -adil-. For their knotted piled rugs they commonly use the so-called symmetric knot and local sheep wool. In earliest examples the predominant colours are natural undyed white, cream, brown and black sheep wool. Natural black wool is still very highly esteemed due to the top quality of that wool coming from a local sheep breed and because according to Berber’s beliefs it is very effective to ward off evil eye and other bad influences. In not that old examples the colour palette is wider. As to decorative patterns those are clearly tribal though we can find sometimes some resemblance with those found in city examples from Rabat or Salé. That has very much to do with the old and long-lasting links between the Jewish communities of those cities and Aït Ouaouzguite’s ones. When it comes to flatwoven textiles the degrees of quality, originality and excellency are certainly outstanding, particularly among the Aït Ouarda and the Aït Tamassine, being the combination of white and black stripes of different width  and the use of the –shadaoui- or  weft-twining technique some of the more remarkable features. True pieces of tribal art at its best not to be missed.       

The artisan handmade Azilal knotted rugs are yet another sample of Berber endless creativity. They are mainly woven in the the Moroccan province of Azilal, a mountainous region that lies between the High and Middle Atlas range. Among the Berber groups inhabiting that area we may cite the Aït bou Oulli, the Aït Bouguemez or the Aït Sokhmane. Sheep wool is used for the pile, warp and weft but in the last decades some other materials have been introduced. They are knotted using a symmetrical knot on two warps though sometimes the so-called Berber knot is used as well. The are usually medium-piled. In broad lines three main types of Azilal carpets can be described. The first one is the classical  one. Natural undyed white or cream wool is employed for the backgroung whilst natural undyed brown, black wool or, eventually some other color, is used for the decoration. The second type main characteristic is the deep red wool background where the decoration, either geommetrical or abstract, may show a fairly wide range of colors. This model is found among the Aït Bouzid and some experts see there influences from urban carpets from the city of Rabat. The third model appeared around the mid-1980's and its main feature is the use, together with natural or dyed wool, of a broader range of textile materials such as synthetic dyed yarns, reused fibers, etc. In any case the outcome is always spectacular, and exceedingly decorative.    

A lively example of the Berber spirit, creative and thrifty. Nothing is wasted. This artisan piece is made on a plastic raffia sac where a series of re-used textile materials have been sewn and woven. The result is as stunning as this, both in terms of design and combination of colors. Pieces like this are used on a daily basis at home as kitchen or courtyard mats and as playgrounds for infants, the plastic surface acting as insulator. 1970's-80's.

A superb Moroccan woman's silk antique city or citadine belt or sash -hezam o hzam- from Tetouan or, possibly, Fes. It features a wonderful woven work with an incredibly rich combination of colors and decorative motifs that show a clear influence from Andalousia. Among these motifs there are flowers, fruits and  khamsa motifs at both ends. A usual feature of these pieces is the combination of at least two main designs, very often four, with contrasting colors. However when worn only of the designs is visible. Likewise it is common that the background color changes in the middle of the sash. With fringe. Wear commesurate with age. Early XIXth century. A great collector's piece.

A sublime old Berber bag or -l'rhomd- from the tribe of the Aït or Ait Ouaouzguite inhabiting the Siroua mountains in Morocco. Flatwoven wool combining wonderful colours and featuring a characteristic array of geometric motifs. These motifs are not only decorative but serve a more important purpose such a protecting its owner from bad influences and ward evil eye off. The use of this kind of pieces is described in Niloo Imami Paydar et al's "The Fabric of Moroccan Life": "The type known as l'rhomd was used like a sea-bag. The opening of the bag is opposite the long carrying  strap. This opening was then attached to the end of the strap. One hand was passed through the loop and the bag was thrown over the shoulder. The shepherds used simple bags of this kind as food bags when roaming many weeks with the herds. But richly decorated pieces were not exposed to every day use; they were luxury pieces reserved for special ocassions, sometimes only produced for marriages". This one is certainly a dowry piece. The quality of its execution makes it one-of-a-kind and true collectors' piece.

A most original sample of the Berber spirit, creative and thrifty. Nothing is wasted. This artisan piece is made on a plastic raffia sac where a series of re-used textile materials have been sewn and woven. The result is as spectacular as this, both in terms of design and combination of colors. Pieces like this are used on a daily basis at home as kitchen or courtyard mats and as playgrounds for infants, the plastic surface acting as insulator. A true -avant garde- piece of tribal art. 1970's-80's.

A stunning example of the Berber spirit, creative and thrifty. Nothing is wasted. This artisan piece is made on a plastic raffia sac where a series of re-used textile materials have been sewn and woven. The result is as spectacular as this, both in terms of design and combination of colors. Pieces like this are used on a daily basis at home as kitchen or courtyard mats and as playgrounds for infants, the plastic surface acting as insulator. A piece that is a piece of art on its own right. 1970's-80's.

An outstanding sample of the Berber spirit, creative and thrifty. Nothing is wasted. This artisan piece is made on a plastic raffia sac where a series of re-used textile materials have been sewn and woven. The result is as remarkable as this, both in terms of design and combination of colors. Pieces like this are used on a daily basis at home as kitchen or courtyard mats and as playgrounds for infants, the plastic surface acting as insulator. Very original. 1970's-80's.

An old saddle bag from the Zaiane that is a true gem. The Zaiane or Zaïane inhabit areas of the Middle Atlas mountain range in Morocco. Their textiles are well-known for their quality and design and the richness of their palette. This is an outstanding example. It combines naturally dyed hand-woven wool, showing the characteristic motifs of this group that reflect the vastness of Berber symbology, cotton fringes and silk tassels. Certainly a collectors' piece. It is would be madness to let it go. 1930's.

An absolutely covetable old flat woven tend or -jaima- band from the Berber tribe of the Zaïane inhabiting the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It is made of sheep wool, goat hair and cotton. It features the wonderful work and rich design for which the Zaïane are deservingly among the most reputed weavers in Morocco. The decoration included a wide array of Berber geometric motifs, all of them having a strong prophylactic purpose, such as diamond grid, zigzags, triangles, etc.  These kind of bands are used as an element to brace the walls and other parts of the traditional -jaima- and prevent collapsing. Superb.

A great old flat woven tend or -jaima- band from the Berber tribe of the Zaïane inhabiting the Middle Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It is made of sheep wool, goat hair and cotton. It features the wonderful work and rich design for which the Zaïane are deservingly among the most reputed weavers in Morocco. The decoration included a wide array of Berber geometric motifs, all of them having a strong prophylactic purpose, such as diamond grid, zigzags, triangles, etc.  These kind of bands are used as an element to brace the walls and other parts of the traditional -jaima- and prevent collapsing. Extremely decorative piece of ethnographic art.

A woman's outstanding old wool and silk woven belt -hzam- from the Berber tribe of the Aït Ouarda a sub-group pf the Aït Ouaozguite inhabiting the region of the Siroua between the High Atlas and the Anti Atlas mountains in Morocco. They get the material for their characteristic woven pieces from a breed of sheep indigenous to that area and well-adapted to the harsh environment. Ouaouzguite women have always being reputed for their outstanding weaving skills and inventive combining color, textures and motifs. Natural dyes for their pieces were obtained from flowers, roots, etc. growing in the surroundings and indigo was often obtained from the not far away Dades Valley. The use of this latter dye was very demanding and complex but was mastered soon by Jewish members of the community. Broad wowen belts like this one were used on a daily basis by the women of the group. This one though is made of a richer material, silk, and features a wonderful combination of natural dyed colours as well as decorative motifs including the protective eye and other anthropomorphic figures and symbols, often related to fertility and maternity. A piece to grab.

A woman's stunning old wool and silk woven belt -hzam- from the Berber tribe of the Aït Ouarda a sub-group pf the Aït Ouaozguite inhabiting the region of the Siroua between the High Atlas and the Anti Atlas mountains in Morocco. They get the material for their characteristic woven pieces from a breed of sheep indigenous to that area and well-adapted to the harsh environment. Ouaouzguite women have always being reputed for their outstanding weaving skills and inventive combining color, textures and motifs. Natural dyes for their pieces were obtained from flowers, roots, etc. growing in the surroundings and indigo was often obtained from the not far away Dades Valley. The use of this latter dye was very demanding and complex but was mastered soon by Jewish members of the community. Broad wowen belts like this one were used on a daily basis by the women of the group. This one though is made of a richer material, silk, and features a wonderful combination of natural dyed colours as well as decorative motifs including the protective eye and other anthropomorphic figures and symbols, often related to fertility and maternity. A piece to grab.

A woman's superb old woven belt -hzam- from the Berber tribe of the Aït Ouaozguite inhabiting the region of the Siroua between the High Atlas and the Anti Atlas mountains in Morocco. They get the material for their characteristic woven pieces from a breed of sheep indigenous to that area and well-adapted to the harsh environment. Ouaouzguite women have always being reputed for their outstanding weaving skills and inventive combining color, textures and motifs. Natural dyes for their pieces were obtained from flowers, roots, etc. growing in the surroundings and indigo was often obtained from the not far away Dades Valley. The use of this latter dye was very demanding and complex but was mastered soon by Jewish members of the community. Broad wowen belts like this one were used on a daily basis by the women of the group. This one features a wonderful combination of basic colours of the Berber's palette, namely, indigo blue, shades of red and white. All of them obtained from natural dyes but for the white from valued natural cotton. A couple of motifs are made in silk. The decorative motifs include the protective eye and other anthropomorphic figures and symbols, often related to fertility and maternity. Small tears commesurante with age and use. Late XIXth century or early XXth century. A collector's piece.

A great woman's old woven belt -hzam- from the Berber tribe of the Aït Ouaozguite inhabiting the region of the Siroua between the High Atlas and the Anti Atlas mountains in Morocco. They get the material for their characteristic woven pieces from a breed of sheep indigenous to that area and well-adapted to the harsh environment. Ouaouzguite women have always being reputed for their outstanding weaving skills and inventive combining color, textures and motifs. Natural dyes for their pieces were obtained from flowers, roots, etc. growing in the surroundings and indigo was often obtained from the not far away Dades Valley. The use of this latter dye was very demanding and complex but was mastered soon by Jewish members of the community. Broad wowen belts like this one were used on a daily basis by the women of the group. This one features a wonderful combination of natural dyed colours and decorative motifs including the protective eye and other anthropomorphic figures and symbols, often related to fertility and maternity. It also shows areas where the main motif is a serie of bands against a dark background which is also very typical in other pieces of this group such as food bags -adil-. A piece to enjoy.

A woman's beautiful old wool and cotton woven belt -hzam- from the Berber tribe of the Aït Ouaozguite inhabiting the region of the Siroua between the High Atlas and the Anti Atlas mountains in Morocco. They get the material for their characteristic woven pieces from a breed of sheep indigenous to that area and well-adapted to the harsh environment. Ouaouzguite women have always being reputed for their outstanding weaving skills and inventive combining color, textures and motifs. Natural dyes for their pieces were obtained from flowers, roots, etc. growing in the surroundings and indigo was often obtained from the not far away Dades Valley. The use of this latter dye was very demanding and complex but was mastered soon by Jewish members of the community. Broad wowen belts like this one were used on a daily basis by the women of the group. This one features a wonderful combination of natural dyed colours and decorative motifs including the protective eye and other anthropomorphic figures and symbols, often related to fertility and maternity. A truly appealing piece. 

Boujad Berber carpets come from the plains east of the imperial city of Marrakech in Morocco. The artisans would travel to the souks of this city to sell their carpets. The better known Berber group inhabiting the area from which these carpets come from are the Beni Moussa. These handmade medium wool pile knotted rugs bear some resemblance to those from the region of Hafouz. They made use a wide variety of colors and loose geometric patterns or play with different shades of the same palette such as reds, pinks and any other colours. In any event always a pleasure for the senses.

A fantastic old shoulder or head scarf or - agounoun- from the Berber group of the Aït Hadiddou in the Central High Atlas in Morocco. The -agounoun- was a part of a bride's attire at her wedding and it was used as a shawl at the top of the shoulders or head under additional garments and headgear. Then she would not probably use it anymore in her lifetime. It was usually made from an old piece of wool that was then tie-dyed in two colours. A wonderful and authentic ethnic treasure to enjoy and cherish. Mid-XXth century or earlier.