Why are Moroccan Rugs Different?

I mean this post to be exploratory and provocative. It is part of my effort to understand the kinship of Moroccan rug making to the rest of the rug world and at the same time to understand the differences.

Morocco and Moorish Spain are significant in the Islamic rug producing areas in that they were never under Turkic or Altaic  rule. By this I mean they were never ruled by any of the Turkish or Altaic dynasties such as the Mongols, the Seljuk or the Ottoman. Everywhere else that I can think of in areas where Muslims produce rugs were at one point or another ruled by a Turkic or in the case of the Mongols at least an Altaic dynasty. Their strongest ties to the rest of the rug producing areas were in the days of the strong independent Caliphate.

In 1258 Hulagu the Mongol IL-Khan defeated Al-Musta'sim the last Abbasid Caliph, The independent Caliphate existed from 632 until 1258 and died with Al-Musta'sim when the Mongols wrapped the Caliph in a rug and trampled him to death with horses. 

After 1258 the Caliph was a political appendage of first the Mamluk and then the Ottoman neither of whom were ever able to exert their authority over Morocco or Moorish Spain. What this mean in rug terms was that the Moors benefited early on from their commerce with the rest of the Caliphate but maintained an independence that few other areas had. 

Moroccan Rugs and vintage carpets from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco

Moroccan Rugs

and vintage carpets from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco

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People of Morocco Moroccan Rugs are notable for their dynamic colorful designs and for their strong sense of geometric structure. They do not have a long history, however. None so far are datable to before the mid nineteenth century, when their production began as an adaptation of central and western Turkish rugs, whose repertoire Moroccan rugs followed closely. Moroccan rugs are nevertheless distinctive in their bolder coloration, and in the more block-like geometry of their composition. Most famous of all were the rugs that were made by the Beni Ourain tribe in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The Beni Ourain Rugs from Morocco are easily recognizable – they are almost always Ivory background, shaggy pile and abstract geometric patterns. What makes Moroccan carpets so desirable these days is the fact that they are so modernist and simplistic – both in color and design -and are considerably less expensive than most of the other antique or vintage rugs in the market today. The vintage, mid-century rugs from Morocco were never made in large sizes – because they had to move from place to place, the people who wove them had to keep the width to under 7′ (about), otherwise the loom would be too large and cumbersome to mount as they move from place to place. These rugs can be also used as transitional pieces by giving a youthful and whimsical feel to any rooms decor.

Vintage Moroccan Rug 45302

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Style: Moroccan Rug Origin: Moroccan Rugs Size: 3 ft 2 in x 4 ft 2 in           (0.97 m x 1.27 m)

Click for High Resolution Image of Vintage Moroccan Rug 45302

Moroccan Rug, Morocco, Mid 20th Century - Dark bistre gray and muted khaki brown details decorate the stark ivory field that gives this chic vintage Moroccan rug a classically modern appearance. Abstract checkerboard details and cryptic patterns decorate the field and central medallions, which are comprised of stepped lozenges with articulated rectilinear edges. Intimated walnut brown borders and muted khaki end pieces define the edges of the stark white field. This chic vintage Moroccan rug exemplifies the low-chroma visage that is valued immensely by the league of revered mid-century designers who pioneered the concept of modern classicism.

Vintage Moroccan Rug 45369

Moroccan Rug 45369

Style: Moroccan Rug Origin: Moroccan Rugs Size: 2 ft 4 in x 3 ft           (0.71 m x 0.91 m)

Click for High Resolution Image of Moroccan Rug 45369

Moroccan Rug, Morocco, Mid 20th Century - Flat-woven ends lined with contrasting mustard yellow and white stripes add to the striking Moroccan appearance of this stylish rug while complementing the bold yellow accents used within the field. Intermingled strands of contrasting colors, including saffron yellow, cerise, ivory and blue produce a dense background pattern that is busy and complex yet comparatively unobtrusive.

Vintage Moroccan Rug 45431

Moroccan Carpet 45431

Style: Moroccan Rug Origin: Moroccan Rugs Size: 2 ft 7 in x 3 ft           (0.79 m x 0.91 m)

Click for High Resolution Image of Moroccan Carpet 45431

Moroccan Rug, Morocco, Mid 20th Century - Stacked polygon coins rendered in an alternating combination of walnut brown, burnt orange, ivory and icy aquamarine blue create a charming abstract allover pattern with boldly contrasting elements placed across a neutral field at random intervals. Colorful coins rendered in alternating hues decorate the contrasting background that includes columns rendered in opposing colors. Reversed polygon details and subtle checkerboard end pieces incorporating brown and bright orange accents decorate the end of the field in a style that accentuates the abstract and modern sensibilities of this lovably quirky mid-century rug from Morocco.

Vintage Moroccan Rug

Click for High Resolution Image of Moroccan Rug 45410

Moroccan Rug, Morocco, Mid 20th Century - This stunning vintage rug from Morocco features a fantastic series of beautiful repeating patterns that create a unique optical illusion through their strong geometry and tribal style. Lozenges created by checkers filled with diagonal stripes arranged in alternating directions create a bold pattern of inset goz symbols. In a characteristically Moroccan style, this spectacular rug features mutable patterns and flexible variations that change as they cross the field. The variable repeating pattern includes a series of smaller zigzag motifs and inset lozenge details that incorporate multiple design variations. This outstanding tribal contribution to the op-art era features a classic combination of fleecy brown and ivory paired with colorful fringes and woven ends that are exceptionally modern.