Vintage Moroccan Zemmour Carpet ZM02

An interesting example of a vintage Zemmour, this carpet has a natural ivory ground with black motifs and a hint of red in the warp threads. A symmetrical grid contains horizontal rows of classic Berber symbols including eight-pointed stars, floral motifs, Hamsa (camel track), twelve-pointed stars, lozenges, and checker motifs. Vertical chains of lozenges and crosses form protection borders along both selvedges. A very low pile lends a precise graphic quality to the piece. 100% wool.

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tribe.

Zemmour

This tribe in the southern Middle Atlas region has a varied history being on the main trade route from Timbuktu to Marrakech. The usual color palette of the Zemmour tribe has a deep red background using the madder root for the dye commonly traded in the local souk markets. From time to time the designs of the tribe would take on a neighboring influence.

tribe.Zemmour
region.Middle Atlas Mountains, Morocco
circa.1950-1960
dimensions.8' x 5'2" / 2.44m x 1.58m
pile height.Low
fringe length.5"
condition.Excellent
rug no.ZM02
rug no.