Vintage Moroccan Beni Ouarain Carpet BO80

This vintage Beni Ouarain exhibits an overall lozenge motif, shifting in scale across the composition. A horizontal band near the center divides the network. Interestingly, the top portion contains randomly filled lozenges and other Berber symbols, including the date "1975" clearly visible from the reverse side. Knotted in a medium brown on a warm ivory ground, 100% wool.

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tribe.

Beni Ouarain

This nomadic Berber tribe produces some of the finest quality rugs in all of Morocco. Usually made of natural ivory and black or brown wool as the pattern, these rugs show an archaic symbolism that dates back to the earliest forms of art and writing. Known for their simplistic lozenge patterns, these motifs are a link to some of the oldest discovered human artifacts, including the ancient Venus figurines of Europe. The Beni Ouarain weave with a double knot technique which allows for a thicker pile construction and added insulation from the cold. These rugs are used for family beds and could be folded over to provide protection from frigid temperatures.

tribe.Beni Ouarain
region.Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco
circa.1975
dimensions.13'9" x 6' / 4.19m x 1.83m
pile height.Medium
fringe length.7" and 4"
condition.Excellent
rug no.BO80
rug no.