Rugs are statement pieces that can help pull a room together and make your home feel inviting. But choosing the right rug to fit your home decor and personal style can leave many feeling overwhelmed at the wide range of choices.
If you’ve ever found yourself looking to find the perfect rug, but struggling to know if it’s the right selection, consider looking at Beni Ourain rugs from Morocco. These beautiful, handmade, and unique rugs are the perfect fit for rooms of all shapes and sizes.
Haven’t heard about Beni Ourain rugs before? Keep reading to get all the information you need to help you select the perfect piece for your home.
History of Moroccan Rugs
A trip to Morocco will show any visitor the depth of the Berber heritage. This people group was some of the first settlers of Morocco and the surrounding area, dating back thousands of years. Historically, they were a nomadic group that survived by herding animals and trade.
Today, the Berber tribespeople makes up approximately 40% of the nation’s population. They can be further divided into seventeen smaller tribes, depending on where they live. And while they are all considered to be part of the larger Berber tribe, each smaller group has a distinctive language and cultural attributes that make them unique.
Beni Ourain Rugs
Beni Ourain rugs originate in the middle Atlas Mountains. They are woven from the wool of the Marmoucha sheep, which has been one of the traditional herds that have sustained the Berber people for generations.
Beni Ourain rugs are made by hand, usually by women. These wool rugs are thick, fluffy, and were originally used as bed coverings or blankets.
There are a few distinctive features that set Beni Ourain rugs apart. First, they are made from undyed wool, creating organic and natural-looking colors that fit into any home color scheme and design. True vintage rugs will be cream-colored with black and brown designs.
Geometric designs are a key feature of Beni Ourain rugs. The women who weave them include symbols, often telling stories about local events, religion, personal life events, nature, and more. Because of the unique and time-consuming process to weave a Beni Ourain rug, no two are ever alike.
Modern-Day Use
Beni Ourain rugs made their way into modern Western home decor in the 1920s and 1930s. Their minimalist designs and geometric patterns make them a perfect complement in mid-century modern and minimalist design. However, you’ll also see them in homes ranging from urban lofts to farmhouses.
Vintage Moroccan rugs can be difficult to find but make a stunning statement. Their classic design has made them a standout in design magazines for decades. Their authentic and exotic design has kept them in demand since they were first made popular by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Henri Matisse.
You can tell when a Beni Ourain rug is vintage by its coloring, which is more ivory and cream than white. You’ll also see more intricate designs and all-natural colors and materials. They’ll be soft to the touch as well.
How Beni Ourain Rugs Are Made
The process to create each Beni Ourain rug is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Each step of the journey is done by hand, which means each rug is one-of-a-kind.
Step 1: Spin the Yarn
The first step to creating a genuine Beni Ourain rug is to sheer the Marmoucha sheep, whose wool is thick, fluffy, and high-quality. This wool is then washed and carded or brushed, to make sure all the fibers are aligned.
The weavers then use a spindle to spin the wool fibers together, creating the yarn necessary for weaving on a loom.
Step 2: Prepare the Loom
When preparing to weave a Beni Ourain rug, weaves use 100% wool for the warp, also known as the vertical yarn that holds the knots in place. The warp is pulled tight over the loom frame.
Step 3: Weaving and Hand Knotting
Once the loom preparations have taken place, the women start to weave the rug. This is the most time-consuming and complex part of the process.
Beni Ourain rugs are woven using a pile knot, which helps to create the dense, thick rug that everyone loves. A thread of yarn (the weft) is woven through to form a base before knots are added for depth, texture, and pattern.
Each weaver can choose how many rows of weft they’ll include between rows of knots. The more knots in a rug, the more dense the rug will be. The fewer knots, the more flexible and loose the rug. Depending on the weaver, sometimes a Beni Ourain rug will have fringe.
After the knots are added, they’re pounded with a taska. This helps to lock the knots into place and create a more tightly woven structure for each rug.
Many Berber women have learned the art of weaving from their mothers, aunts, and grandmothers. They will pass the tradition on to their daughters and children. Women often work in pairs while weaving as well.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
After weeks, and sometimes months, on a loom, a Moroccan rug can be a bit dirty and stiff. The weaver will trim the rug’s pile using special scissors, then wash it and let it dry in the Moroccan sun. This may be repeated a few times to help make sure the rug is soft and supple.
Beni Ourain rugs aren’t large, typically 6 feet by 12 feet. However, custom-made rugs and more modern creations will vary.
Adding Beni Ourain Rugs to Your Home
No matter your style, taste, or color scheme, Beni Ourain rugs can be the statement piece you’re looking for in your home. Because each rug is handmade, it is as unique as the woman who created it. Your one-of-a-kind rug will last for a lifetime and beyond!
Be sure to check out our wide selection of Moroccan rugs, including a variety of Beni Ourai rugs. See how one of our vintage rugs looks in your home today!