Vintage Moroccan Beni Ouarain Carpet BO_102

This Beni Ouarain exhibits an unusual distorted lozenge network filled with triangular motifs, shifting to a chessboard band near one end. The symbols appear to reference the landscape, with several agricultural motifs present near the bottom of the composition. Knotted in warm brown, faded grey, and dark brown on an ivory ground. Hints of red are dotted along both selvedges. 100% wool with a time faded 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.1940's-1950's
dimensions.8'10" x 6'8" / 2.69m x 2.03m
pile height.Low
fringe length.3"
condition.Very Good
rug no.BO_102
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