Monday 24 August 2015

Never-seen-before rugs of the Beni Quarain tribe, now at Bazaar Velvet

Still on the subject of sheep, recently while doing some research into wool for the purpose of rugs, I’ve come across a selection of Benniz Berber hand-knotted rugs now just arrived at Bazaar Velvet.

They have been selected personally by Christopher Mould, the owner of Bazaar Velvet on his trip to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco earlier this year.

It is thought that the Beni Quarain tribe have been making Berbers almost since the time they settled in the Middle Atlas of Morocco over twelve hundred years ago.

They were, and to some extent still are, Nomadic people, roaming the mountains with their tents and flocks of sheep.  The Beni Quarain tribe handmade the rugs from lush wool trimmed from the sheep they raise.  These were originally used as blankets to protect them against the freezing conditions of the Atlas Mountains.   Therefore unlike most Moroccan rugs one can find in the market square (Jemaa el Fna) of Marrakech, Beni Quarain rugs are not colourful, yet their geometric patterns on harmonious shades lend them a contemporary air. 

Beniz rugs are created from the wool of an ancient breed of small sheep. This is then carded, spun and dyed in small pots. This contributes to the colour varieties, the individuality and charm of each piece. Their patterns are simple, often composed of converging lines of unmatched irregularity. They are constructed using the technique of hand knotting and their pile is left long and loose. This is what gives the rugs their shaggy appearance, which is undoubtedly one of their greatest attractions, making them gorgeously soft underfoot and no doubt giving any room an air of comfort. A particular feature of the Beni Quaran Berber is the way it’s finished. The ends are flat and free of pile. The loose strands are then twisted together to create a fabulous rope like fringe which really sets off the rug.

While in recent years Beni Quarain rugs have been featured in design magazines for tastefully designed homes, the Benniz Berbers at Bazaar Velvet are rich in character and heritage, made in the traditional way by traditional people with modern interiors in mind.

7 comments:

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  5. I've been following the trend of layering rugs, and it's a great way to add depth and visual interest to a room. Mixing a Modern Design Rugs with a more traditional one can create a fascinating juxtaposition in your decor.

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