Vintage Moroccan Beni Ouarain Carpet BO56

An excellent example of a vintage Moroccan Beni Ouarain carpet, bearing an unusual motif. The 'hamsa' (camel track), are combined in a linear fashion to create chains, forming lozenges. The duality and harmony between the male and female relationship is beautifully executed in this piece. The hamsa is unusual in the weavings of this Middle Atlas tribe, but rather common in the neighboring plains regions around Marrakech, perhaps suggesting this weaver traveled at some point in their life. The lustrous wool shifts from deep charcoal to a faded foggy grey on an 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.1960
dimensions.11'8" x 6' / 3.56m x 1.83m
pile height.Medium
fringe length.1"
condition.Excellent
rug no.BO56
rug no.