Berber Rugs from Morocco

What is a Berber rug?

Berber rugs are knotted by the women of Morocco’s Amazigh tribes for their own daily life, usually without a design to follow. In our selection they come from, among others, the Ouzguit in the Anti-Atlas, who knot finely and carefully from robust highland wool; from the area around Mrirt in the Middle Atlas, known for calm surfaces and an almost velvety texture; and from the Haouz plain around Marrakesh, where the patterns become more playful and free. Many pieces come in large sizes from 200 × 300 cm, which makes them a good fit for living rooms.

What do the symbols in a Berber rug mean?

In the Berber tradition, diamonds, lines and signs form a visual language; they stand, for instance, for protection or for life in the mountains. There is no fixed grammar; each weaver places the signs in her own way. More in our guide Symbolism in Berber Rugs.

Persian or Moroccan?

Persian rugs are usually more densely knotted, with medallions and tendrils; Berber rugs feel freer and more graphic, which suits pared-back, modern rooms. Their wool is spun by hand, and where it takes the dye unevenly, Abrash appears, a lively shimmer of colour that shows genuine handwork. Our guide Persian vs. Moroccan Rugs offers a direct comparison.

Tip: with ‘View in your room’ on the product page, you can use your smartphone to place any Berber rug in your room at full size.