Vintage Moroccan Beni Ouarain Carpet BO98

This vintage Beni Ouarain exhibits a balanced female lozenge network with strong male influence present in its ladder, chessboard, and cross motifs. A central vertical band emphasizes the protection symbolism also apparent in the side borders. Knotted in a lower pile dark brown and ivory wool, lending a crisp graphic quality to the piece. Note fringe has been shortened at some point in the carpet's past. 100% wool with a lustrous patina.

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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.1960's
dimensions.10'1" x 6'4" / 3.07m x 1.93m
pile height.Low
fringe length.2"
condition.Excellent
rug no.BO98
rug no.