The textiles of the Beni Ouarain tribe are very unique among Middle Atlas weavings because of their compact succession of design stripes with very few repeat motifs. Because of the harsh winter climate in the Beni Ouarain region, weavers leave loops of wool on back to form a kind of sheepskin creating a thick cloak which is worn with the design side hidden against the body.
 

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Carpets of this style are very thick, soft and warm thus work best as blankets, wall-hangings or couch covers. Most are wool and cotton, but some have man-made fibers for increased durability. The colors are mostly vegetable dyes, but the weavers also use the natural colors of the wool in their textiles.

While many of the Berber rugs of Morocco are dominated by deep shades of red, Beni Ouarain rugs come in a wide variety of colors which distinguish them from those of other Berber tribes. As seen in these pictures, these rugs are also found in other colors such as dark blue and chocolate brown (as in the photo to the right), blue, red and orange stripes alternating either with woven stripes of gray and white or with white cotton embroidery.

Please email us to ask about our Beni Ouarain pile carpets.