Moroccan rugs, also known as Berber rugs, are handmade by skilled artisans in Morocco using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. Here is an overview of the process of making a Moroccan rug:
⇒ Wool Shearing: The process begins with the shearing of wool from the sheep, which is then cleaned, sorted and carded to remove any impurities.
⇒ Dyeing: The wool is then dyed using natural dyes made from plants, fruits, and vegetables. The colors used in Moroccan rugs are typically muted earth tones like brown, beige, grey, and black.
⇒ Spinning: Once the wool is dyed, it is spun into yarn using a spindle or a spinning wheel. The thickness of the yarn depends on the desired thickness of the final rug.
⇒ Weaving: The weaving process starts with creating the loom. The vertical threads of the loom are tied to a fixed point and the horizontal threads are attached to a wooden beam that can be moved up and down to create the rug's length.
⇒ Knotting: The artisan then ties the yarn onto the horizontal threads of the loom, creating the rug's foundation. The most common knot used is the Berber knot, which is tied around two threads and then cut to create a pile.
⇒ Pattern-making: As the weaving process continues, the artisan creates the rug's pattern by carefully selecting the colors and placing the knots in the right place to create the desired design.
⇒ Finishing: Once the rug is complete, the artisan removes it from the loom and cuts the pile to create an even surface. The rug is then washed to remove any dirt or debris and dried in the sun.
Moroccan rugs are unique and beautiful works of art that can take weeks or even months to create, depending on the size and complexity of the design. The traditional methods used in the rug-making process ensure that each rug is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that will last for generations.