Cooperative Nahda · Souq El Hed
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
1m 47cm x 1m 1cm x 3cm — 4ft 10in x 3ft 4in x 1in
WEIGHT
3300 g
MATERIALS
Tadout - Wool, Dyed Wool, and Cotton
PRODUCT ID
#14960
Beni Ourain style rugs are pile knot rugs intricately designed and are used as two sided rugs in Oued Ifrane. There is the summer side, when the pile side is placed face down on the ground to keep things cooler. During the winter, the pile side is placed up to keep things warmer. You can find these carpets with natural wool from the local sheep or cotton yarn bought from the village market. Depending on the size of the rug, it can take weeks to create. Each knot needs to be individually tied and cut, so one person is only able to create a meter in two weeks.
See something off — or want to help the artisans improve? Rate this piece in Rate-o-Rama →
MEET THE MAKERS
Fatima Gourami
Fatima was born in Oued Ifrane and has lived in the village for most of her life. Despite the passing of her husband, she has survived and thrived because of her warm personality and incredibly positive outlook on life. Fatima is an integral member of Association Nahda because she is not only willing to try new things, but she is also willing to teach what she has learned to the other members.
Hlima najib
Salima Najib is among the latest recruits of the association. Born in Oued Ifrane in 1962, she is a widower, mother of two daughters and a son. She joined the association because she has no formal education but has learned weaving from her family.
VISIT THE VILLAGE
Cooperative Nahda hosts visitors in their village — share tea, watch the artisans at work, and see the craft up close. Visits start at $14 per person, and most of it goes straight to the group.
Souq El Hed, Morocco · about 2 heures 17 minutes from Fez
