Imelghas Women's Cooperative · Ait Bouguemez
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES
SIZE
3m 6cm x 1m 86cm x 2cm — 10ft x 6ft 1in x 1in
WEIGHT
20000 g
MATERIALS
Wool String and Wool
PRODUCT ID
#16034
Beni Ourain rugs are known for being made in the north east of Morocco, not in the Ait Bougamez Valley. However, the heritage of many women in Imelghas is linked to the Beni Ourain tribe, through marriage for example, and is is why you'll see many Beni Ourain and Beni Ourain style rugs made by Cooperative of Imelghaus.
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MEET THE MAKERS
Malika Hdoudi
Malika is an Imghlaus village native and has worked in the cooperative since the day it was founded. She specializes in hanbal carpets and helps with the day-to-day operations of the cooperative. She hopes with the sales of her carpet she'll be able to make enough and take a vacation to a famous Moroccan city!
Fatima Yidri
Fatima was born in Imghlaus and has lived in the village her entire life. Fatima is one the cooperative's members who has never married and considers the members of the cooperative as her family. She learned how to weave when she was child and has since become an expert weaving hanbal carpets. When she is not working at the cooperative, she can be found working in the fields or tending her cows.
Fatima Adoudi
Fatima was born in the Ait Bougamez valley just north of where the Imghlaus cooperative is located. She and her husband, a farmer, have five children and 11 grand children, some of whom also work in the cooperative. Fatima has worked in the cooperative since it began and specializes in washing and preparing the wool for each carpet. When Fatima is not working at the cooperative, she can be found working in the fields or completing chores at her house. She hopes that through the sales of her carpets, the cooperative will succeed in its mission of improving the lives of women in Imghlaus.
Fatima Ahknini
Fatima has only recently settled in the village of Imghlaus. Her husband was a soldier in the army and as a result, they lived in different places throughout Morocco. They currently have six children and are expecting grandchildren soon. Fatima has been a member of the cooperative since it began and hopes that it continues growing!
VISIT THE VILLAGE
Imelghas Women's Cooperative hosts visitors in their village — share tea, watch the artisans at work, and see the craft up close. Visits start at $17 per person, and most of it goes straight to the group.
Ait Bouguemez, Morocco · about 4h from Marakech
