What if Morocco was your next vacation destination? This incredible destination has many surprises in store for you! Indeed, whether it is for the beauty of its landscapes, its delicious gastronomy or the richness of its culture, you will certainly not be disappointed to have chosen this country for your holiday. We set off to discover a century-old art in this country, the carpet-making. So if you want to know more about this know-how, it's here!
A know-how passed on from generation to generation
Since times immemorial, the tradition of the trade and the craft industry occupies an important place in the Moroccan society. Whether it is around gastronomy, leather manufacturing or ceramics, Morocco still has many small manufacturers today using methods of yesteryear that will allow you to bring back unique memories of your trip.
The manufacture of carpets is one of the symbols of Moroccan know-how and craftsmanship in the world. However, before they became the preferred pieces for designer interiors, and to be used as decoration, they originally had a completely different function and have a long history. Indeed, this art goes back several centuries and the first carpets were made in Antiquity in the North-East of the country and more particularly in the Middle Atlas region known for its peaks. These carpets made by Berber tribes were intended to protect the population from the cold during the very cool winters of this region. Over the years, it was discovered that the manufacture of Berber carpets was not only carried out in the Middle Atlas region but in several other regions of Morocco, making this activity a widespread art throughout the country. Each Berber group or tribe has its own carpet pattern and sometimes different ways of making them. Indeed, the decorations but also the geometrical figures on the carpets make it possible to identify a particular village or a certain tribe at the origin of the manufacture. You will, therefore, find many variations of carpets ranging from the most sober with a single colour or two and simple shapes to the most extravagant and colourful, sometimes even with a different composition of wool or cotton patterns. This diversity has notably made them successful throughout the world, as there are now carpets for all tastes and for all interiors. The carpets named Kelim are those made of 100% natural wool and generally in an unbleached colour with black rhombuses or triangles.
The realization of these magnificent pieces requires infinite patience and a great deal of precision work, the know-how of which is generally transmitted from mother to daughter. Indeed, carpet manufacturing in Morocco is an activity mainly intended for women for the many meticulous steps and hours of precision that it requires. According to tradition, the women washed the wool used with seawater and then beat it before combing it to free it of impurities and guarantee the best possible quality of wool. Then comes the framing and spinning to prepare the wool for weaving. This very time-consuming traditional method makes it possible to obtain unique pieces that make the most of the know-how of the local Moroccan populations. You will easily find Moroccan carpets during your stay and particularly in the souks of the cities, if you wish to get some as a souvenir of your holidays in the country.
