Vintage Moroccan Beni Ouarain Carpet BO78

This vintage Beni Ouarain is an exceptionally wider example, with a bold lozenge pattern created by stepped motifs. Black borders along both selvedges represent protection, while the three random squares toward the bottom represent fertility. Knotted in a combination of black and dark brown wool on an ivory ground.

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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.1970's
dimensions.10'9" x 7'5" / 3.28m x 2.26m
pile height.Medium
fringe length.7"
condition.Excellent
rug no.BO78
rug no.