The world of carpet is vast and full of riches, and among these wonders, the carpet Berber occupies a place of choice. Originally from Morocco, it is the fruit of the ancestral art of Berbers, these nomadic peoples ofNorth Africa. But how can you recognize a real Berber carpet? What are the distinctive signs that differentiate it from others and that attest to its authenticity? Follow us in this exploration of the world of Berber carpets and understand what makes them an essential part of your interior decoration.
The materials used: wool at the heart of manufacturing
The first distinctive sign of the Berber carpet is undoubtedly the material from which it is made: the wool. This raw material, used for millennia by the Berbers, is at the heart of their know-how. The wool is generally woven by hand by the women Berbers, who thus perpetuate an ancestral tradition.
The wool used in making Berber rugs is often natural in color, giving the rugs a palette of colors ranging from white to black, through different shades of gray and brown. Sometimes wool is dyed with natural dyes to achieve brighter colors.
The motives: a secret language
The second distinctive sign of the Berber carpet is the presence of patterns recurring. These come from the language Berber, which uses symbols rather than letters. Each pattern has a particular meaning, both symbolic and aesthetic.
The complexity and variety of patterns are often an indicator of the authenticity of the rug. Indeed, on a true Berber carpet, the patterns are generally woven by hand, which requires extraordinary know-how and patience.
Types of Berber carpets: Beni Ouarain, a quality standard
There are several types of Berber rugs, each named after the tribe or region from which it originated. Among them, the Beni Ouarain is undoubtedly the best known and most appreciated.
The Beni Ouarain is a large Berber carpet, often white or cream in color, with black or brown patterns. It is made from high quality sheep’s wool, which gives it a soft and silky texture.
The price: a reflection of authenticity
THE price of a Berber carpet can also give you an indication of its authenticity. Indeed, the manufacture of a real Berber carpet requires a lot of time and work, and the cost of the materials used is also high.
A Berber rug sold at too low a price could therefore be a fake. However, price is not the only criterion to consider, and it is always best to seek expert advice before making a purchase.
Berber art: a rich and complex history
The Berber carpet is more than a simple decorative object: it is a reflection of the history and culture of the Berbers. Its existence dates back to the time of Caliph Ibn, who ruled Morocco in the 9th century. Each rug tells a story, transmits an emotion, and embodies Berber tradition and art.
In conclusion, identifying a true Berber rug requires in-depth knowledge of Berber art, its materials, patterns and manufacturing techniques. If you are looking for a real Berber rug, do not hesitate to call on an expert to guide you and help you make the right choice.
The origin of Berber carpets: from the Atlas to Azilal
The carpet Berber is the living reflection of a rich and ancestral culture, which has survived the centuries without losing its splendor. If you are interested in the world of Berber carpets, you cannot ignore the importance of the geographical origin of these carpets. In North Africa, and more particularly in Morocco, each region, each tribe, has developed its own style, patterns, and weaving techniques.
The Middle Atlas carpet
In the Middle Atlas, a mountainous region of Morocco, the Berber carpet is often large, with simple geometric patterns and a dominant natural color, particularly white and black. The Beni Ouarain rug, which we talked about previously, is a perfect example of a Middle Atlas rug.
Azilal’s carpet
Named after the Azilal region located in central Morocco, it is known for its creativity and originality. The Berber women who weave these rugs do not hesitate to play with colors and patterns, creating unique pieces with bold and modern designs.
Manufacturing techniques: manual weaving, an ancestral tradition
There manufacturing Berber carpet is a complex process that requires time, patience and know-how passed down from generation to generation. Berber women, true guardians of this tradition, weave carpets by hand, using mainly two techniques: weaving and knotting.
Weaving is the oldest technique. It consists of passing a shuttle of wool between the warp threads of the loom, alternating passes above and below the threads. This technique gives rugs with a more rustic and thick appearance, like the kilim rug.
Knotting, on the other hand, involves tying wool threads around the warp threads of the loom, then cutting them to create the patterns of the rug. This technique produces softer and more flexible carpets, such as the Beni Ouarain carpet.
Legends and myths around Berber carpets
The universe of Berber rugs is populated by legends and myths that appeal to the sacred and magic. Each pattern, each color has a precise meaning and tells a story, a dream, a hope. The rugs are thus imbued with the spirituality and daily life of the Berbers who woven them.
A rug can, for example, evoke a wedding, a birth, or even represent symbols of protection against the evil eye. These myths and legends add a poetic and mystical dimension to the Berber carpet, making each piece a unique work of art.
The authenticity of a Berber carpet
Recognize an authentic Berber carpet is not an easy task, given the diversity and richness of this artisanal tradition. However, by paying attention to the materials used, patterns, geographic origin and price of the rug, you can ensure you are making an authentic and quality purchase.
THE Berber carpet is much more than a simple decorative object: it is the reflection of a culture, a history, an ancestral know-how. Each rug is unique, carrying a message, an emotion. To acquire one is to possess a part of the Berber cultural heritage, it is to enter a universe where time seems to have stopped, where art and tradition mingle to give birth to works of art. timeless beauty.
FAQs
1. What is a Berber carpet?
Berber rugs are traditional rugs originating mainly from the regions of Morocco and the Middle East. They are handmade and can be woven or knit from wool, cotton or silk.
2. What characteristics should we look for to recognize a Berber carpet?
To be able to recognize a real Berber rug, it is important to pay attention to certain details: the material used (wool, cotton or silk), the quality of the manufacturing (tight and regular stitches), the colors (natural colors which blend perfectly with the decor), and the geometric and abstract patterns typical of Berber carpets.
3. How to evaluate the quality of a Berber carpet?
To assess the quality of a true Berber rug, it is important to look closely at the finish of the edges and corners. The edges should be neat and clean, with no protruding threads or loose stitches. The corners are also important, they should be clearly visible and without tight braids.
4. What are the signs that can indicate if a rug is authentic?
Signs that can indicate whether a rug is authentic include: careful and careful workmanship, natural colors that blend seamlessly with the decor of the room, geometric and abstract patterns typical of Berber rugs, and clean edges and corners. and clean.
5. What advice would you give to buyers for finding a real Berber rug?
To find a real Berber rug, it is advisable to buy from a specialized seller or a recognized antiques dealer. It is also important not to rely on the seller’s descriptions but rather to look at the rug in person to verify the quality of the material used, the fineness of the finish and the typical patterns of Berber rugs.