Moroccan Rugs

As far as rugs go in Morocco, there is an endless array - something suitable for even the most particular of people.  The kind most commonly known from the area is the traditional Berber rug.  This hand knotted rug, made with either a Moroccan knot or Turkish knot, typically has a creme colored background and brown diamond designs.  However, after diving into the rug shops in the medina I learned there is so much more to the traditional Berber rug.  The colors and designs can vary greatly, allowing the rugs to have various personalities.  My personal favorite contains pops of bold color.

Another fun product that litters Marrakech is the 'rag rug'.  It's made from recycled clothing, hence the name.  Having a little shag, tons of bright colors, all the while being eco-friendly, this rug is a great way to spice up a room.  Plus no 2 rag rugs are alike.  A Frenchman turned Moroccan said about these rugs, "The women who made these know nothing about the world, only what is in their hearts."  Their hearts show through in these rugs.

The rugs from Morocco requiring the most complex of techniques contain a mix of flatweave and pile.  Truly a stunning work of art to act as the anchor of any room.

Marrakech Expo 2013

The Expo is filled with artisans from Marrakech and Fes, selling products in as vast an array as the medina.  Of course my eye is constantly drawn to the rug vendors.  Flatweaves, hand knotted, sheep and camel wool, leather, antique, new production... there is something for everyone here.  The Moroccan culture is portrayed in each piece through the unique design and vibrant colors.  Quality is also extremely apparent.

Marrakech Expo 2013

Embroidered pillows from Casablanca with Portugese influence

Hand woven flatweave rug

 Such vibrant colors and design in this flatweave from Rabat

This color is called 'Red of Morocco'

Magical Marrakech

As I lay awake in the sleepy hours in this Moroccan town (thank you jet lag) I reflect on the beautiful city sites that fill my mind.  After less than 2 days in Marrakech it is easily understandable where the inspiration behind each artisan's work comes from.  Every doorway and window is outlined with intricate detail and color.  The furniture is made from ornate textiles and the gardens are lined with lemon and lime trees.  What originally looks like a shabby medina turns out to be a secret garden filling the center of the city.  The narrow alleys of the medina are littered with handicrafts ranging from chandeliers to handmade leather shoes...of course everything is handmade.  Next thing you know you've wandered through an archway into a room 100 feet high.  Every inch lined with rugs.  "Bonjour! Would you like to see a rug?", pointing to the piles ceiling high surrounding us.  "Yes, all of them!", is what I wish to say.  Being raised in a land filled with such beauty would make it only natural to then create such incredible art - ceramics, textiles, metal work...

One of the smaller rug places in the medina

 A hidden medina treasure where the rugs stack 100 feet high

Ornate detail in the ceiling of Palais Sabban

 

Dried fruit stand